The correct actions are to configure an S3 bucket policy that restricts access to specific IAM roles and to enable server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS) for the data lake. The bucket policy acts as a resource-based access control mechanism, ensuring that only authorized IAM principals can read or write Parquet files, while SSE-KMS encrypts data at rest using a customer-managed key, providing both encryption and granular key management. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of combining identity-based and resource-based policies with encryption layers in a data lake architecture—a common trap is choosing broad bucket policies or relying solely on default S3-managed keys (SSE-S3), which lack the audit and control benefits of KMS. Remember the pairing: bucket policy for access gates, SSE-KMS for encryption keys. A useful mnemonic is “Policy for people, KMS for keys.”
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 data lake on Amazon S3. Data is ingested from multiple sources and stored as Parquet files partitioned by date. The company needs to ensure that only authorized users can access the data, and that the data is encrypted at rest. Which TWO actions should the company take to meet these requirements? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable default encryption with SSE-KMS on the S3 bucket.
Options B and D are correct. B: S3 bucket policy with IAM conditions restricts access. D: SSE-KMS provides encryption with key management. Option A is too broad. Option C does not control access. Option E is not a primary encryption method for at-rest.
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.
✓
Enable default encryption with SSE-KMS on the S3 bucket.
Why this is correct
SSE-KMS encrypts objects at rest with managed keys.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use client-side encryption before uploading to S3.
Why it's wrong here
Client-side encryption is not managed by S3 and adds complexity.
✗
Enable S3 server access logging.
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not control access; it audits access.
✗
Use a bucket ACL to grant access to the data lake.
Why it's wrong here
ACLs are legacy and not recommended; they do not provide granular access control.
✓
Configure an S3 bucket policy that allows access only from specific IAM roles.
Why this is correct
Bucket policy with IAM conditions restricts access to authorized roles.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 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.
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: Enable default encryption with SSE-KMS on the S3 bucket. — Options B and D are correct. B: S3 bucket policy with IAM conditions restricts access. D: SSE-KMS provides encryption with key management. Option A is too broad. Option C does not control access. Option E is not a primary encryption method for at-rest.
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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