- A
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it for daily tasks.
This follows the principle of least privilege and reduces root user usage.
- B
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user.
MFA adds an extra layer of security.
- C
Share the root user password with the security team.
Why wrong: Sharing passwords increases risk.
- D
Set a strong password for the root user.
Why wrong: While important, it is not sufficient; MFA is required.
- E
Generate an Access Key for the root user and use it for programmatic access.
Why wrong: Root user Access Keys are highly privileged and should not be used.
Question 1,685 of 1,705
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.
Which TWO actions improve the security of an AWS account's root user? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it for daily tasks.
Options A and B are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user is a critical security best practice that adds an extra layer of protection. Creating an IAM user with administrative privileges and using it for daily tasks reduces the need to use the root user, which should be reserved for only a few account and service management tasks. Option D is incorrect because while a strong password is important, it is not sufficient on its own; MFA provides additional security. Option C is incorrect because sharing the root password violates security best practices. Option E is incorrect because generating an Access Key for the root user is not recommended and increases risk.
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.
- ✓
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it for daily tasks.
Why this is correct
This follows the principle of least privilege and reduces root user usage.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user.
Why this is correct
MFA adds an extra layer of security.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Share the root user password with the security team.
Why it's wrong here
Sharing passwords increases risk.
- ✗
Set a strong password for the root user.
Why it's wrong here
While important, it is not sufficient; MFA is required.
- ✗
Generate an Access Key for the root user and use it for programmatic access.
Why it's wrong here
Root user Access Keys are highly privileged and should not be used.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ANS-C01 question test?
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: Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it for daily tasks. — Options A and B are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user is a critical security best practice that adds an extra layer of protection. Creating an IAM user with administrative privileges and using it for daily tasks reduces the need to use the root user, which should be reserved for only a few account and service management tasks. Option D is incorrect because while a strong password is important, it is not sufficient on its own; MFA provides additional security. Option C is incorrect because sharing the root password violates security best practices. Option E is incorrect because generating an Access Key for the root user is not recommended and increases risk.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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