The correct actions are to associate an AWS WAF web ACL directly with the API Gateway REST API stage or with an HTTP API regional endpoint. This integration works because API Gateway acts as the entry point for your serverless application, and AWS WAF attaches at the API stage level to filter incoming HTTP requests before they reach your backend Lambda functions. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that WAF protects the API endpoint itself, not the Lambda function or API keys, and that a CloudFront distribution is optional, not required. A common trap is assuming you need CloudFront to use WAF, but for regional API Gateway endpoints, WAF attaches directly. Another trap is thinking WAF validates API keys—it does not; WAF inspects request patterns, not authentication tokens. Memory tip: WAF guards the gate, not the key—associate the web ACL with the API stage, not the Lambda or the key.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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.
A company is designing a serverless application that uses Amazon API Gateway and AWS Lambda. The API must be secured using AWS WAF. Which TWO actions should the company take to integrate WAF with API Gateway? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Associate an AWS WAF web ACL with the API Gateway HTTP API
Options A and D are correct because AWS WAF can be associated with an API GatewayREST API or HTTP API regional endpoint. Option B is incorrect because CloudFront is not required. Option C is incorrect because WAF does not protect Lambda functions directly. Option E is incorrect because WAF does not integrate with API keys.
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.
✗
Create an AWS WAF web ACL and attach it to the Lambda function
Why it's wrong here
WAF does not attach to Lambda functions directly.
✗
Configure API Gateway to require an API key and associate WAF with the usage plan
Why it's wrong here
WAF does not integrate with API keys.
✓
Associate an AWS WAF web ACL with the API Gateway HTTP API
Place AWS WAF in front of Amazon CloudFront and use CloudFront as the API Gateway endpoint
Why it's wrong here
CloudFront is optional, not required for WAF integration.
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 for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Associate an AWS WAF web ACL with the API Gateway HTTP API — Options A and D are correct because AWS WAF can be associated with an API Gateway REST API or HTTP API regional endpoint. Option B is incorrect because CloudFront is not required. Option C is incorrect because WAF does not protect Lambda functions directly. Option E is incorrect because WAF does not integrate with API keys.
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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