The correct answer is that AWS Config can send alerts when a security group rule is modified, track changes to security groups, and send notifications via SNS to help with network security compliance. Config operates as a continuous monitoring and evaluation service, recording configuration changes to resources like security groups and network ACLs, then comparing those changes against desired compliance rules you define. When a rule is violated—such as a security group opening an unrestricted port—Config can trigger an SNS notification to alert your security team. On the ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that Config is a detective control, not a preventive one; it evaluates post-change compliance rather than blocking or enforcing resource creation. A common trap is confusing Config with AWS Firewall Manager or AWS Security Hub, which have different scopes. Remember the mnemonic “Config Checks, Not Fixes” to recall that Config alerts and tracks but does not directly remediate or enforce.
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 THREE actions can AWS Config perform to help with network security compliance? (Choose 3)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Evaluate whether security groups allow unrestricted SSH access
Option A is correct because Config can evaluate resources against rules. Option C is correct because Config can track changes to security groups. Option E is correct because Config can send notifications via SNS. Option B is wrong because Config does not automatically remediate; it can trigger automation via Lambda or Systems Manager, but not directly. Option D is wrong because Config does not enforce resource creation; it evaluates after creation.
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.
✓
Evaluate whether security groups allow unrestricted SSH access
Why this is correct
Config rules can check for specific security group rules.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Automatically block non-compliant traffic
Why it's wrong here
Config does not block traffic; it only evaluates and can trigger remediation actions.
✓
Track changes to Network ACLs and security groups
Why this is correct
Config records configuration changes to these resources.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Send alerts when a security group rule is modified
Why this is correct
Config can trigger SNS notifications on configuration changes.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Prevent creation of VPCs that do not have a specific tag
Why it's wrong here
Config does not prevent creation; it can evaluate after creation.
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: Evaluate whether security groups allow unrestricted SSH access — Option A is correct because Config can evaluate resources against rules. Option C is correct because Config can track changes to security groups. Option E is correct because Config can send notifications via SNS. Option B is wrong because Config does not automatically remediate; it can trigger automation via Lambda or Systems Manager, but not directly. Option D is wrong because Config does not enforce resource creation; it evaluates after creation.
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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