The answer is to combine a Service Control Policy (SCP) that explicitly denies the `cloudtrail:StopLogging`, `cloudtrail:DeleteTrail`, and `cloudtrail:UpdateTrail` actions with S3 MFA Delete on the CloudTrail log bucket. An SCP applied at the AWS Organizations root level prevents any IAM user or role, including the root user, across all accounts from disabling CloudTrail or deleting logs, making it the most effective preventative control. S3 MFA Delete adds a second layer of protection by requiring multi-factor authentication for any delete or versioning change on the log bucket, which stops even a compromised root user from wiping evidence. On the DOP-C02 exam, this pairing tests your understanding that SCPs enforce guardrails across an entire organization, while MFA Delete protects the log destination itself—a common trap is choosing CloudTrail log file validation, which only verifies integrity, not prevents deletion. Remember the memory tip: "SCP stops the trail, MFA locks the pail."
DOP-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company uses AWS Organizations with SCPs to enforce security policies. The security team needs to ensure that no IAM user or role can disable AWS CloudTrail or delete CloudTrail logs. Which TWO approaches should be combined to achieve this? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply an SCP that denies cloudtrail:StopLogging and cloudtrail:DeleteTrail for all accounts.
Option A (SCP) prevents root user and all accounts in the organization from performing the actions. Option E (CloudTrail log file validation) ensures integrity but does not prevent deletion. Option B (service control policy) is the same as A, but SCP is the correct term. Option C (IAM policy) is less effective as it can be overridden by account admins. Option D (S3 MFA Delete) adds extra protection but is not the primary method.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use a service control policy to deny s3:DeleteObject on the CloudTrail S3 bucket.
Why it's wrong here
This prevents log deletion but not disabling CloudTrail.
✗
Enable MFA Delete on the CloudTrail S3 bucket.
Why it's wrong here
MFA Delete adds protection but does not prevent stopping CloudTrail.
✓
Apply an SCP that denies cloudtrail:StopLogging and cloudtrail:DeleteTrail for all accounts.
Why this is correct
SCPs can enforce restrictions across all accounts in the organization.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Enable CloudTrail log file validation.
Why this is correct
Log file validation ensures integrity but does not prevent deletion or stopping.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Attach an IAM policy to all users denying cloudtrail:StopLogging.
Why it's wrong here
Administrators in child accounts could remove the policy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply an SCP that denies cloudtrail:StopLogging and cloudtrail:DeleteTrail for all accounts. — Option A (SCP) prevents root user and all accounts in the organization from performing the actions. Option E (CloudTrail log file validation) ensures integrity but does not prevent deletion. Option B (service control policy) is the same as A, but SCP is the correct term. Option C (IAM policy) is less effective as it can be overridden by account admins. Option D (S3 MFA Delete) adds extra protection but is not the primary method.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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