The upload fails because of the Deny statement. This occurs because the IAM policy explicitly denies PutObject when server-side encryption is not AES256, and the backup script’s request lacks any encryption parameter. The Allow statement grants permission only when encryption is AES256, so without that specification, the request does not satisfy the Allow condition, but it does match the Deny condition’s StringNotEquals check—since the encryption value is absent, it is not equal to AES256, triggering the explicit deny. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM policy evaluation logic works, especially the precedence of explicit Deny over Allow and the critical role of condition keys like s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption. A common trap is assuming a missing encryption header defaults to allowed; in reality, it fails because the Deny catches any value that is not AES256. Memory tip: “No encrypt, no upload—Deny catches what Allow doesn’t.”
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to an EC2 instance role used by SAP HANA backup scripts. The backup script attempts to upload a file to the S3 bucket without specifying server-side encryption. What will happen?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The upload fails because of the Deny statement.
The first statement allows PutObject only if encryption is AES256. The second statement denies PutObject if encryption is not AES256. Since the request does not specify encryption, it does not match the condition in the Allow statement (so not allowed) and it matches the Deny statement because encryption is not AES256 (StringNotEquals). Therefore, the request is denied.
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.
✗
The upload fails because there is no Allow statement without condition.
Why it's wrong here
The Allow statement requires encryption, so it does not apply.
✗
The upload succeeds because there is an Allow statement.
Why it's wrong here
The Allow has a condition that is not met, so it does not apply.
✓
The upload fails because of the Deny statement.
Why this is correct
The Deny statement explicitly denies PutObject when encryption is not AES256.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The upload succeeds because the Deny condition does not match.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny condition matches because encryption is not AES256.
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 PAS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Technology — This question tests Technology — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The upload fails because of the Deny statement. — The first statement allows PutObject only if encryption is AES256. The second statement denies PutObject if encryption is not AES256. Since the request does not specify encryption, it does not match the condition in the Allow statement (so not allowed) and it matches the Deny statement because encryption is not AES256 (StringNotEquals). Therefore, the request is denied.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 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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