The request will be denied because the condition is not satisfied. The IAM policy explicitly allows ec2:* actions only when the source IP address falls within the 10.0.0.0/8 range, using the aws:SourceIp condition key; since the user is connecting from an IP outside that range, the condition evaluates to false, and the default implicit deny takes effect. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM condition keys enforce network-level restrictions, a common trap being that students confuse a missing allow with an explicit deny—remember, if the condition isn’t met, the allow statement simply doesn’t apply, and the request is denied by default. A helpful memory tip: “Condition fails, action fails—implicit deny always prevails.”
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 security engineer attaches the above IAM policy to an IAM user. The user then attempts to launch an EC2 instance from an IP address outside the 10.0.0.0/8 range. What will happen?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The request will be denied because the condition is not satisfied.
The policy allows ec2:* only when the source IP is within 10.0.0.0/8. If the user is coming from outside that range, the condition is not met, so the action is not allowed. The default is implicit deny, so the request will be denied. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the condition is not met. Option C is wrong because the policy does not deny explicitly; it just doesn't allow. Option D is wrong because the condition evaluates to false.
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.
✗
The request will be allowed because the policy allows ec2:* on all resources.
Why it's wrong here
The condition restricts the allow to a specific IP range.
✓
The request will be denied because the condition is not satisfied.
Why this is correct
Since the source IP is outside the allowed range, the condition fails, resulting in implicit deny.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The request will be denied because the policy does not include a Deny statement.
Why it's wrong here
Denial is due to condition not met, not lack of Deny statement.
✗
The request will be allowed because the condition evaluates to true.
Why it's wrong here
Condition evaluates to false for IP outside 10.0.0.0/8.
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 ANS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The request will be denied because the condition is not satisfied. — The policy allows ec2:* only when the source IP is within 10.0.0.0/8. If the user is coming from outside that range, the condition is not met, so the action is not allowed. The default is implicit deny, so the request will be denied. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the condition is not met. Option C is wrong because the policy does not deny explicitly; it just doesn't allow. Option D is wrong because the condition evaluates to false.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 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 ANS-C01 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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