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Design for New SolutionshardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
{
  "Version": "2012-10-17",
  "Statement": [
    {
      "Effect": "Deny",
      "Action": "s3:PutObject",
      "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*",
      "Condition": {
        "StringNotEquals": {
          "s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption": "AES256"
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "Effect": "Allow",
      "Action": "s3:PutObject",
      "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*",
      "Condition": {
        "StringEquals": {
          "s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption": "AES256"
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Refer to the exhibit. A company has an S3 bucket policy that requires server-side encryption with AES256 for all objects uploaded. However, users can still upload objects without encryption. What is the MOST likely reason?

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates often assume a policy with a `Condition` that requires encryption is sufficient, but without an explicit `Deny` for requests that omit the header, the policy is only a 'soft' requirement and does not block unencrypted uploads.

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

The policy does not deny requests that omit the encryption header

The bucket policy only requires encryption but does not explicitly deny requests that omit the `x-amz-server-side-encryption` header. Without a `Deny` effect for requests lacking the header, the policy is effectively a statement of intent rather than an enforcement mechanism. S3 bucket policies can enforce encryption by using a `Deny` statement with a condition key like `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption` set to `AES256`.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • S3 bucket policies cannot enforce encryption; you must use bucket default encryption

    Why it's wrong here

    Bucket policies can enforce encryption via conditions.

  • The condition key is incorrect; it should be s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id

    Why it's wrong here

    The condition key is correct for AES256.

  • The policy does not apply to objects uploaded using AWS KMS managed keys

    Why it's wrong here

    AES256 is SSE-S3, not KMS.

  • The policy does not deny requests that omit the encryption header

    Why this is correct

    If no encryption header is present, the condition evaluates to false, so Deny does not apply.

Quick reference

AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison

Storage ClassMin DurationRetrievalUse Case
S3 StandardNoneImmediateFrequently accessed data
S3 Standard-IA30 daysImmediateInfrequent access, rapid retrieval
S3 One Zone-IA30 daysImmediateNon-critical infrequent data
S3 Intelligent-TieringNoneImmediate–hoursUnknown or changing access patterns
S3 Glacier Instant90 daysMillisecondsArchive with instant retrieval
S3 Glacier Flexible90 daysMinutes–hoursArchive, flexible retrieval
S3 Glacier Deep Archive180 daysHoursLong-term compliance archive

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.