The correct answer is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user and apply a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions from the root user across accounts. This works because SCPs in AWS Organizations can explicitly block the root user from performing any action, even in member accounts, while MFA adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized root access. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of preventive controls at the organization level versus account-level settings—a common trap is assuming an IAM password policy or AWS Config can restrict root user actions, but neither applies to the root user. Remember that the root user cannot be deleted, and IAM roles do not override root permissions, so the only enforceable guardrails are SCPs and MFA. Memory tip: “SCP stops the root, MFA locks the boot.”
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 using AWS Organizations to manage multiple accounts. The security team wants to ensure that no root user credentials are used for any account. Which TWO actions should be taken to enforce this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user.
Options A and B are correct. Option A: SCP can deny all actions from the root user. Option B: IAM password policy does not apply to root user, but enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for root user is a best practice. Option C is wrong because deleting root user is not possible. Option D is wrong because IAM roles cannot prevent root user actions. Option E is wrong because AWS Config cannot prevent root user usage.
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.
✗
Delete the root user from all accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Root user cannot be deleted.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect root user activity.
Why it's wrong here
Config is detective, not preventive.
✗
Create an IAM role that prevents root user actions.
Why it's wrong here
IAM roles cannot restrict root user.
✓
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user.
Why this is correct
SCP can deny root user actions across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user.
Why this is correct
MFA adds an extra layer of security for root user.
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 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.
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 SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user. — Options A and B are correct. Option A: SCP can deny all actions from the root user. Option B: IAM password policy does not apply to root user, but enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for root user is a best practice. Option C is wrong because deleting root user is not possible. Option D is wrong because IAM roles cannot prevent root user actions. Option E is wrong because AWS Config cannot prevent root user usage.
What should I do if I get this SCS-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 SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This SCS-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 SCS-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.