The correct answer is the SCP that denies only ec2:CreateVpc and ec2:ModifyVpc actions, as shown in the provided policy. This works because a service control policy with a Deny effect on specific VPC creation and modification actions blocks those operations while leaving all other EC2 actions—including using existing VPCs—unaffected, which perfectly matches the requirement to prevent new VPCs or changes but allow ongoing usage. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to craft least-privilege SCPs that target specific API calls rather than broad service blocks, a common trap where candidates mistakenly deny all EC2 actions or forget to include ModifyVpc. Remember the memory tip: "Deny the create and the modify, but let the existing VPCs fly."
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 restrict access to services. The security team needs to ensure that no IAM user or role can create or modify VPCs, but should allow VPC usage for existing VPCs. Which SCP should be attached to the root OU?
Option B is correct because the SCP with Deny effect for ec2:CreateVpc and ec2:ModifyVpc attributes, while allowing all other actions, meets the requirement. Option A would block all EC2 actions. Option C denies only CreateVpc but not ModifyVpc. Option D is too permissive.
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.
Does not deny ModifyVpc, and DeleteVpc is not a concern.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: {"Version":"2012-10-17","Statement":[{"Effect":"Deny","Action":["ec2:CreateVpc","ec2:ModifyVpc"],"Resource":"*"}]} — Option B is correct because the SCP with Deny effect for ec2:CreateVpc and ec2:ModifyVpc attributes, while allowing all other actions, meets the requirement. Option A would block all EC2 actions. Option C denies only CreateVpc but not ModifyVpc. Option D is too permissive.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company uses AWS Organizations with SCPs to restrict access to services. The security team needs to ensure that no IAM user or role in any account can create or modify VPCs. Which SCP should be applied to the root OU?
Why C: Option C is correct because it denies both the ec2:CreateVpc and ec2:ModifyVpc actions, which covers all operations that could create or modify VPCs. A service control policy (SCP) with a Deny effect overrides any Allow permissions, ensuring that no IAM user or role in any account under the root OU can perform these actions, even if attached IAM policies grant them.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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This DOP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DOP-C02 exam.
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