The correct approach is to use AWS Organizations to tag accounts with key-value pairs like Environment=Dev and then apply SCPs with condition keys such as `aws:ResourceTag` or the `aws:RequestTag` global condition to deny access to specific services based on those account tags. This works because SCPs are evaluated at the account level before any IAM policies, allowing you to enforce service restrictions per account without affecting users or roles directly. On the SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how SCPs differ from IAM policies—SCPs set guardrails for entire accounts, while IAM policies control individual permissions. A common trap is confusing SCPs with IAM roles or AWS Config rules; remember that Config detects noncompliance but cannot block actions, and CloudTrail only logs them. Memory tip: think of SCPs as the "bouncer at the account door" checking the account's tag ID before letting any service in.
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 uses AWS Organizations with a management account and several member accounts. The security team wants to restrict the use of specific AWS services (e.g., EC2, Lambda) in certain accounts based on the account's environment (dev, test, prod). Which approach should be used to implement this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Organizations to tag accounts (e.g., Environment=Dev) and use SCPs with conditions to deny access to services based on tags.
Option A is correct because tagging accounts in Organizations and using SCPs with conditions allows granular control based on account tags. Option B is wrong because IAM roles are per-user, not per-account service restrictions. Option C is wrong because Config rules detect usage but do not prevent it. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail logs but does not enforce restrictions.
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 AWS CloudTrail to monitor API calls and revoke access after the fact.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail logs, does not enforce.
✗
Create IAM roles in each account with policies that deny access to services.
Why it's wrong here
Roles are for users, not for restricting services in an account.
✓
Use AWS Organizations to tag accounts (e.g., Environment=Dev) and use SCPs with conditions to deny access to services based on tags.
Why this is correct
Tag-based SCPs allow fine-grained control across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect and alert when restricted services are used.
Why it's wrong here
Config is detective, not preventive.
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: Use AWS Organizations to tag accounts (e.g., Environment=Dev) and use SCPs with conditions to deny access to services based on tags. — Option A is correct because tagging accounts in Organizations and using SCPs with conditions allows granular control based on account tags. Option B is wrong because IAM roles are per-user, not per-account service restrictions. Option C is wrong because Config rules detect usage but do not prevent it. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail logs but does not enforce restrictions.
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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Question Discussion
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