The answer is that the action is denied because the instance type does not equal t2.micro. This occurs because the IAM policy condition `ec2:InstanceType` explicitly allows the `ec2:RunInstances` action only when the value equals `t2.micro`; when a user attempts to launch an `m5.large`, the condition is not satisfied, triggering the default implicit deny. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this tests your understanding of how IAM policy conditions with the `ec2:InstanceType` key can restrict EC2 instance launches, often appearing in scenarios where you must distinguish between explicit allows and implicit denies. A common trap is assuming that an allow statement without a matching condition still grants permission—remember that conditions must be met exactly for the allow to apply. Memory tip: think of the condition as a locked door—only the correct key (t2.micro) opens it; any other key (like m5.large) leaves the door shut.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The action is denied because the instance type does not equal t2.micro.
Option D is correct because the IAM policy explicitly allows the `ec2:RunInstances` action only when the condition `ec2:InstanceType` equals `t2.micro`. Since the user is attempting to launch an `m5.large` instance, the condition is not satisfied, and the default implicit deny applies, resulting in the action being denied.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 action is allowed because the policy allows t2.micro instances.
Why it's wrong here
The policy only denies non-t2.micro; it does not explicitly allow t2.micro.
✗
The action is allowed because there is no explicit allow for RunInstances.
Why it's wrong here
Deny statements override allows.
✗
The action is denied because the condition is not met.
Why it's wrong here
The condition is met (instance type is not t2.micro), so denial applies.
✓
The action is denied because the instance type does not equal t2.micro.
Why this is correct
The Deny statement with the condition StringNotEquals blocks all instance types except t2.micro.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
AWS often tests the concept that a conditional allow does not become a deny when the condition fails—instead, the default implicit deny applies, which candidates may misinterpret as an explicit denial based on the condition.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IAM policies use an explicit deny override model: an explicit allow with a condition only grants access when the condition is true; otherwise, the default implicit deny takes effect. The `ec2:InstanceType` condition key is a string condition that must match exactly (case-sensitive) for the allow to apply. In real-world scenarios, this pattern is used to restrict users to cost-effective or compliant instance families while preventing accidental provisioning of larger, more expensive instances.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The action is denied because the instance type does not equal t2.micro. — Option D is correct because the IAM policy explicitly allows the `ec2:RunInstances` action only when the condition `ec2:InstanceType` equals `t2.micro`. Since the user is attempting to launch an `m5.large` instance, the condition is not satisfied, and the default implicit deny applies, resulting in the action being denied.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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