The answer is to enable AWS CloudTrail to log root user API calls in all accounts and create a CloudWatch Events rule to trigger an alert for root login activity. CloudTrail captures every root user action as an event in the management trail, and CloudWatch Events can filter for the RootAccessKeyId or the eventName "ConsoleLogin" with a userIdentity type of "Root" to send notifications via SNS. This pairing directly addresses the need to monitor root user activities alert across multiple AWS accounts, a scenario frequently tested on the SAP-C02 exam where you must distinguish between detective controls (CloudTrail + CloudWatch) and preventive controls like SCPs, which cannot restrict root user actions. A common trap is assuming AWS Config or IAM roles can handle root monitoring, but Config lacks real-time alerting for root events, and roles are for human users, not the root user. Memory tip: think "Trail and Watch" — CloudTrail records the root’s steps, CloudWatch rings the alarm.
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 uses AWS Organizations to manage multiple accounts. The security team wants to ensure that all root user activities are monitored and alerted. Which TWO actions should the team take? (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 Amazon CloudWatch Events rule to detect root user login events and send an alert via Amazon SNS.
Options A and C are correct. CloudTrail logs root user activities, and CloudWatch Events can trigger alerts. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot restrict root user actions. Option D is wrong because IAM roles are for human users, not root. Option E is wrong because Config does not monitor root activities specifically.
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 Amazon CloudWatch Events rule to detect root user login events and send an alert via Amazon SNS.
Why this is correct
Alerts on root user activity.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect root user usage.
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config does not track user actions.
✗
Create an IAM role for root user with limited permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Root user cannot use IAM roles.
✓
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log root user API calls in all accounts.
Why this is correct
CloudTrail records root user actions.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Attach a service control policy (SCP) to all accounts to deny root user actions.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot restrict root user in member accounts.
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: Create an Amazon CloudWatch Events rule to detect root user login events and send an alert via Amazon SNS. — Options A and C are correct. CloudTrail logs root user activities, and CloudWatch Events can trigger alerts. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot restrict root user actions. Option D is wrong because IAM roles are for human users, not root. Option E is wrong because Config does not monitor root activities specifically.
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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