The correct answer is to use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation to disable stale IAM keys. This approach leverages the managed Config rule `access-keys-rotated`, which automatically checks the age of every IAM access key against a 90-day threshold, and pairs it with a Systems Manager automation document that disables any non-compliant keys without manual intervention. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of automated governance versus reactive tools—a common trap is choosing AWS Trusted Advisor or IAM Access Analyzer, but those only provide visibility or recommendations, not enforcement. The key distinction is that Config’s auto-remediation closes the loop by acting on the rule’s findings, making it the lowest-overhead solution for continuous compliance. Memory tip: think “Config + SSM = auto-disable,” where the rule detects the stale key and the automation document pulls the trigger.
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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 has a requirement that all access keys for IAM users must be rotated every 90 days. A security engineer needs to implement an automated solution to identify and disable keys that are older than 90 days. Which approach meets the requirement with the least operational overhead?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation to disable keys older than 90 days.
Option D is correct because AWS Config has a managed rule 'access-keys-rotated' that checks key age and can trigger auto-remediation via a Systems Manager automation document to disable old keys. Option A is wrong because IAM Access Analyzer does not manage key rotation. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce rotation. Option C is wrong because AWS Trusted Advisor only provides recommendations, not enforcement.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 Trusted Advisor to check key age and send notifications.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Only alerts, does not disable keys.
✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor CreateAccessKey events and trigger a Lambda function to check key age.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Requires custom code and management.
✗
Use IAM Access Analyzer to generate findings for unused keys and manually disable them.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Access Analyzer does not enforce rotation.
✓
Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation to disable keys older than 90 days.
Why this is correct
Correct: Config rule evaluates and auto-remediation disables keys.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an AWS Config rule with auto-remediation to disable keys older than 90 days. — Option D is correct because AWS Config has a managed rule 'access-keys-rotated' that checks key age and can trigger auto-remediation via a Systems Manager automation document to disable old keys. Option A is wrong because IAM Access Analyzer does not manage key rotation. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce rotation. Option C is wrong because AWS Trusted Advisor only provides recommendations, not enforcement.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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