Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Security Token Service (STS). This service is specifically designed to generate temporary, limited-privilege credentials that mobile apps can use to access AWS resources without embedding long-term keys. STS works by issuing a token with a configurable expiration and scoped permissions, which aligns perfectly with the security requirement of minimizing credential exposure. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this concept often appears in scenarios involving federated access or cross-account networking, where the trap is confusing STS with Amazon Cognito—Cognito handles user identity pools and authentication, not the direct issuance of temporary credentials. Another common distractor is IAM users, which provide permanent keys, or KMS, which manages encryption keys. Remember the memory tip: “STS gives you a temporary pass, not a permanent badge.”
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 needs to provide temporary, limited-privilege credentials to users so they can access AWS resources from mobile apps. Which AWS service should they use?
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)
Why wrong: KMS is for encryption keys.
Amazon Cognito user pools
Why wrong: Cognito is for user authentication, not temporary AWS credentials.
AWS Security Token Service (STS)
STS provides temporary, limited-privilege credentials.
IAM user with access keys
Why wrong: Access keys are long-term credentials.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Security Token Service (STS)
AWS STS allows you to request temporary credentials. Option B is wrong because IAM user credentials are long-term. Option C is wrong because Cognito is for user pools. Option D is wrong because KMS is for encryption keys.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)
Why it's wrong here
KMS is for encryption keys.
Amazon Cognito user pools
Why it's wrong here
Cognito is for user authentication, not temporary AWS credentials.
AWS Security Token Service (STS)
Why this is correct
STS provides temporary, limited-privilege credentials.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
IAM user with access keys
Why it's wrong here
Access keys are long-term credentials.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Security, Compliance and Governance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All ANS-C01 questions
1,705 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
ANS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to Network Management and Operations.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to Network Security, Compliance and Governance.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to Network Design.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to Network Implementation.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to ANS-C01 fundamentals.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to ANS-C01 scenario.
Practise ANS-C01 questions linked to ANS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: AWS Security Token Service (STS) — AWS STS allows you to request temporary credentials. Option B is wrong because IAM user credentials are long-term. Option C is wrong because Cognito is for user pools. Option D is wrong because KMS is for encryption keys.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This ANS-C01 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 ANS-C01 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.