The correct answer combines a Cognito or Lambda authorizer for API authentication, an IAM role with least privilege for the Lambda function, and a resource-based policy on the DynamoDB table that restricts access to only that Lambda function’s IAM role. This three-step approach ensures that every API request is authenticated and authorized before reaching the backend, while the Lambda execution role is scoped to only the necessary DynamoDB actions, and the table itself enforces a second layer of defense by rejecting any access that does not come from that specific role. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth for serverless API security, where a common trap is confusing API keys (which are for usage plans, not authentication) with proper authorizers, or assuming VPC endpoints are required when DynamoDB is accessible over the public internet. Remember the mnemonic “Auth, Role, Table Lock” — authentication first, then least-privilege role, then a resource-based policy on the table to lock it down.
ANS-C01 Network Security, Compliance and Governance Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. 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 is building a serverless application using Amazon API Gateway, AWS Lambda, and Amazon DynamoDB. The security team requires that all API requests are authenticated and authorized, and that the Lambda function has only the necessary permissions to access DynamoDB. Which THREE steps should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure API Gateway to use an Amazon Cognito user pool or a Lambda authorizer for authentication.
Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: Cognito or Lambda authorizer provides authentication. Option C: IAM roles with least privilege for Lambda. Option D: Resource-based policy on DynamoDB to restrict access to the Lambda function. Option B is wrong because API keys are for usage plans, not authentication. Option E is wrong because VPC endpoints are not required for serverless; the function can access DynamoDB over the internet.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Place the Lambda function inside a VPC and use a VPC endpoint for DynamoDB.
Why it's wrong here
Not required; adds complexity.
✓
Configure API Gateway to use an Amazon Cognito user pool or a Lambda authorizer for authentication.
Why this is correct
Provides authentication.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use API keys in API Gateway to authenticate requests.
Why it's wrong here
API keys are for throttling, not authentication.
✓
Create an IAM role for the Lambda function with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions.
Why this is correct
Least privilege for Lambda.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Attach a resource-based policy to the DynamoDB table that allows access only from the Lambda function's IAM role.
Why this is correct
Restricts access to the table.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ANS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure API Gateway to use an Amazon Cognito user pool or a Lambda authorizer for authentication. — Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: Cognito or Lambda authorizer provides authentication. Option C: IAM roles with least privilege for Lambda. Option D: Resource-based policy on DynamoDB to restrict access to the Lambda function. Option B is wrong because API keys are for usage plans, not authentication. Option E is wrong because VPC endpoints are not required for serverless; the function can access DynamoDB over the internet.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ANS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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