- A
Use a CloudFormation template that includes the KMS key ID as a hardcoded value.
Why wrong: Users could modify the template and use a different key.
- B
Use a CloudFormation parameter to accept the KMS key ID and validate it with a rule.
Why wrong: Users could still pass a different key ID that is not the approved key.
- C
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
StackSets allow central management and enforcement of template content, including the KMS key.
- D
Use an AWS Organizations service control policy (SCP) to deny all CloudFormation actions unless a specific KMS key is used.
Why wrong: SCPs cannot enforce a specific KMS key for all resources created by CloudFormation; the condition key is not available.
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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 uses AWS CloudFormation to deploy infrastructure. A security engineer needs to ensure that all CloudFormation stacks use a specific AWS KMS key for encrypting resources that support encryption. Which approach should be used?
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
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
The correct answer is D because AWS CloudFormation StackSets can be used with a service-managed permission model to centrally manage stacks across accounts and enforce policies. Option A is wrong because you cannot enforce encryption at the template level; users can modify templates. Option B is wrong because a service control policy (SCP) can deny actions, but CloudFormation does not have a direct condition key to enforce KMS key usage for all resources. Option C is wrong because while you can use a parameter, users can override it with a different key.
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.
- ✗
Use a CloudFormation template that includes the KMS key ID as a hardcoded value.
Why it's wrong here
Users could modify the template and use a different key.
- ✗
Use a CloudFormation parameter to accept the KMS key ID and validate it with a rule.
Why it's wrong here
Users could still pass a different key ID that is not the approved key.
- ✓
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
Why this is correct
StackSets allow central management and enforcement of template content, including the KMS key.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use an AWS Organizations service control policy (SCP) to deny all CloudFormation actions unless a specific KMS key is used.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot enforce a specific KMS key for all resources created by CloudFormation; the condition key is not available.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key. — The correct answer is D because AWS CloudFormation StackSets can be used with a service-managed permission model to centrally manage stacks across accounts and enforce policies. Option A is wrong because you cannot enforce encryption at the template level; users can modify templates. Option B is wrong because a service control policy (SCP) can deny actions, but CloudFormation does not have a direct condition key to enforce KMS key usage for all resources. Option C is wrong because while you can use a parameter, users can override it with a different key.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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