The correct answer is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user and create an IAM admin user for daily tasks. This is because the root user has unrestricted access to all AWS resources and billing, making it a prime target; MFA adds a second layer of protection beyond the password, while delegating administrative actions to an IAM admin user ensures the root credentials are rarely used, drastically reducing the attack surface. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the shared responsibility model and foundational security best practices, often appearing as a straightforward but easily missed two-part question where a common trap is selecting “strong password only” or “share password securely”—both are incorrect because MFA is non-negotiable and credentials must never be shared. Remember the mnemonic: “Root MFA, IAM for the day—never share, never stray.”
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 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 D are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user is a critical security best practice. Creating an IAM admin user and not using the root user for daily tasks reduces exposure. Option B is wrong because a strong password alone is insufficient; MFA is also needed. Option C is wrong because sharing the password is insecure. Option E is wrong because the Access Key is not needed and should be avoided.
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.
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 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 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 — 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 D are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user is a critical security best practice. Creating an IAM admin user and not using the root user for daily tasks reduces exposure. Option B is wrong because a strong password alone is insufficient; MFA is also needed. Option C is wrong because sharing the password is insecure. Option E is wrong because the Access Key is not needed and should be avoided.
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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Question Discussion
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