The correct choice is to attach a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:PutBucketPublicAccessBlock. This works because SCPs applied at the root organizational unit act as a centralized permission guardrail, effectively blocking any account within the organization from executing the API call that disables or modifies the public access block settings on an S3 bucket. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how SCPs enforce preventive controls across multi-account environments, often appearing as a distractor against IAM policies (which are account-specific) or AWS Config rules (which are detective, not preventive). A common trap is confusing SCPs with IAM roles or thinking CloudTrail can block actions—it cannot. Memory tip: think of SCP as the “bouncer at the org door” that stops the action before it happens, while Config is just the “security camera” that watches.
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 multiple accounts. The security team needs to enforce that all S3 buckets in the organization block public access. Which policy should be attached to the root organizational unit to achieve this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attach a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:PutBucketPublicAccessBlock.
Option B is correct because a service control policy (SCP) can be applied at the root OU to deny actions that allow public access. Option A is wrong because IAM roles are account-specific. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail is for logging. Option D is wrong because AWS Config rules evaluate compliance but do not enforce.
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.
✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log public access attempts and alert the security team.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail logs but does not enforce.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to remediate non-compliant buckets automatically.
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config evaluates but does not prevent the action.
✓
Attach a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:PutBucketPublicAccessBlock.
Why this is correct
SCPs can be attached to OUs to centrally restrict permissions.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Create an IAM role with a bucket policy that blocks public access.
Why it's wrong here
IAM roles cannot enforce policies across accounts at the organization level.
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 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: Attach a service control policy (SCP) that denies s3:PutBucketPublicAccessBlock. — Option B is correct because a service control policy (SCP) can be applied at the root OU to deny actions that allow public access. Option A is wrong because IAM roles are account-specific. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail is for logging. Option D is wrong because AWS Config rules evaluate compliance but do not enforce.
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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