- A
Use an AWS Lambda function that runs periodically across all accounts to check and remediate buckets.
Why wrong: This is event-driven and reactive, not preventive; also complex to manage across accounts.
- B
Use an SCP that denies s3:PutBucketEncryption actions unless the encryption is set to aws:kms.
SCPs can prevent the creation of non-compliant buckets across all accounts in the organization.
- C
Use AWS Config rules in each account to detect unencrypted buckets and trigger auto-remediation.
Why wrong: Config rules need to be set up in each account and do not prevent creation; they only detect.
- D
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor PutBucketEncryption calls and alert the security team.
Why wrong: CloudTrail logs events but does not enforce policies; it only provides visibility.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use an SCP that denies s3:PutBucketEncryption actions unless the encryption is set to aws:kms. This is the most scalable and efficient way to enforce S3 bucket KMS encryption across all accounts because a service control policy applies centrally at the organization root, OU, or account level, preventing any non-compliant action before it occurs. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of preventive versus detective controls—SCPs are preventive and scale across all accounts without per-account setup, unlike AWS Config rules which are per-account and require remediation. A common trap is choosing CloudTrail or Config, but remember that CloudTrail only logs and Config only detects; only an SCP can deny the action outright. Memory tip: SCP = Stop Creation Politely—it blocks the bucket creation if encryption isn’t KMS.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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 runs a multi-account AWS environment using AWS Organizations. The security team wants to ensure that all S3 buckets across all accounts are encrypted with AWS KMS. What is the MOST scalable and efficient way to enforce this policy?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use an SCP that denies s3:PutBucketEncryption actions unless the encryption is set to aws:kms.
Option D is correct because using a service control policy (SCP) that denies the creation of unencrypted S3 buckets if encryption is not set to aws:kms is the most scalable way to enforce this across all accounts. Option A is wrong because it requires manual auditing. Option B is wrong because Config rules are per-account. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce policies.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use an AWS Lambda function that runs periodically across all accounts to check and remediate buckets.
Why it's wrong here
This is event-driven and reactive, not preventive; also complex to manage across accounts.
- ✓
Use an SCP that denies s3:PutBucketEncryption actions unless the encryption is set to aws:kms.
Why this is correct
SCPs can prevent the creation of non-compliant buckets across all accounts in the organization.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use AWS Config rules in each account to detect unencrypted buckets and trigger auto-remediation.
Why it's wrong here
Config rules need to be set up in each account and do not prevent creation; they only detect.
- ✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor PutBucketEncryption calls and alert the security team.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail logs events but does not enforce policies; it only provides visibility.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an SCP that denies s3:PutBucketEncryption actions unless the encryption is set to aws:kms. — Option D is correct because using a service control policy (SCP) that denies the creation of unencrypted S3 buckets if encryption is not set to aws:kms is the most scalable way to enforce this across all accounts. Option A is wrong because it requires manual auditing. Option B is wrong because Config rules are per-account. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce policies.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SAP-C02 exam.
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