The answer is to use AWS Config rules to check AMI IDs against a parameter store and auto-remediate. This approach is correct because AWS Config rules can be deployed across multiple accounts via AWS Organizations, allowing each account to evaluate EC2 instances against a centrally stored list of approved AMI IDs in AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store, with automatic remediation actions like terminating non-compliant instances. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cross-account governance without relying on IAM or SCPs, which cannot filter AMI IDs at the instance launch level—a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose SCPs. The key insight is that AWS Config provides the detective and corrective control, while Parameter Store supplies the centralized, version-controlled reference. Memory tip: think “Config checks, Parameter Store stores, auto-remediate enforces.”
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design solutions for organizational complexity. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A company has multiple business units, each with its own AWS account. They want to enforce that all EC2 instances launched across accounts use only approved AMIs. The AMIs are stored in a central account. What is the MOST scalable and secure way to enforce this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Config rules to check AMI IDs against a parameter store and auto-remediate.
Option D is correct because AWS Config rules in each account can check the AMI ID against a centralized parameter store. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce AMI IDs. Option B is wrong because it requires manual tagging. Option C is wrong because IAM policies cannot restrict AMI IDs based on source account.
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.
✗
Tag approved AMIs and use IAM policies to require that tag.
Why it's wrong here
Tagging does not prevent launching with other AMIs.
✗
Use an IAM policy in each account to allow only specific AMI IDs.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot restrict AMI IDs based on source account.
✓
Use AWS Config rules to check AMI IDs against a parameter store and auto-remediate.
Why this is correct
Config rules can evaluate resources and trigger remediation, scalable across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use an SCP to deny ec2:RunInstances unless the AMI ID matches an approved list.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot filter by AMI ID value.
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 SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — This question tests Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Config rules to check AMI IDs against a parameter store and auto-remediate. — Option D is correct because AWS Config rules in each account can check the AMI ID against a centralized parameter store. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce AMI IDs. Option B is wrong because it requires manual tagging. Option C is wrong because IAM policies cannot restrict AMI IDs based on source account.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 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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