The correct answer is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user and create an IAM admin user for daily administrative tasks. These two measures protect root user credentials by adding a second authentication factor, which prevents unauthorized access even if the password is compromised, and by eliminating the need to use the highly privileged root account for routine operations. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the AWS shared responsibility model and the principle of least privilege, often appearing in scenario-based questions about securing account-level resources. A common trap is assuming the root user can be deleted or should be used regularly; in reality, AWS prohibits deletion and recommends locking away root credentials. Remember the mnemonic “MFA and IAM, never root for daily jam” to recall that MFA plus an IAM admin user keeps the root safe.
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 measures can be taken to protect an AWS account's root user credentials? (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 that instead of the root user
Options B and D are correct. Enabling MFA and creating an IAM admin user are best practices. Option A is wrong because using root user regularly is not recommended. Option C is wrong because deleting the root user is not possible. Option E is wrong because sharing credentials is insecure.
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 that instead of the root user
Why this is correct
Best practice is to use IAM users for administration.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use the root user for daily administrative tasks
Why it's wrong here
Root user should not be used for daily tasks.
✗
Delete the root user account after creating IAM users
Why it's wrong here
The root user cannot be deleted.
✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user
Store the root user credentials in a shared password manager
Why it's wrong here
Credentials should not be shared.
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 that instead of the root user — Options B and D are correct. Enabling MFA and creating an IAM admin user are best practices. Option A is wrong because using root user regularly is not recommended. Option C is wrong because deleting the root user is not possible. Option E is wrong because sharing credentials is insecure.
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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