The answer is to use AWS Lake Formation to define column-level permissions and masking policies. This approach is correct because Lake Formation provides native column-level security and dynamic data masking, allowing you to apply different masking rules per user or role directly at the metadata layer without duplicating or transforming the underlying data in Amazon S3. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing security with cost optimization—a common trap is to propose separate S3 copies or Glue ETL transforms for masking, which inflate storage costs and complicate governance. Remember that Lake Formation’s column-level permissions enforce access controls at query time, not at rest, so no redundant data is stored. Memory tip: “Mask once, query many—Lake Formation keeps costs lean.”
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 new data lake on Amazon S3 using AWS Glue for ETL. The data is partitioned by date and sensitive columns must be masked for non-privileged users. The solution must minimize storage costs and allow different masking policies per user. Which approach should the architect recommend?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Lake Formation to define column-level permissions and masking policies.
Using Lake Formation with column-level permissions (option D) allows masking policies per user without duplicating data. Option A (multiple copies) increases cost. Option B (separate S3 paths) is complex. Option C (Glue transforms) mixes ETL with access control.
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.
✓
Use AWS Lake Formation to define column-level permissions and masking policies.
Why this is correct
Lake Formation provides fine-grained access control without data duplication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Create separate S3 buckets for each masking policy and copy data accordingly.
Why it's wrong here
Storage costs would multiply.
✗
Use AWS Glue ETL jobs to mask data based on user role at query time.
Why it's wrong here
ETL is batch, not real-time per user.
✗
Store masked data in separate prefixes in the same bucket and use S3 bucket policies.
Why it's wrong here
Bucket policies are not row/column-level.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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 SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Lake Formation to define column-level permissions and masking policies. — Using Lake Formation with column-level permissions (option D) allows masking policies per user without duplicating data. Option A (multiple copies) increases cost. Option B (separate S3 paths) is complex. Option C (Glue transforms) mixes ETL with access control.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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