The answer is AWS Security Token Service (STS). This service is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to generate temporary, limited-privilege credentials that can be used to authenticate and authorize access to AWS resources from mobile applications, eliminating the need to embed long-term keys in client code. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of credential management versus identity federation—a common trap is confusing Cognito identity pools (which internally rely on STS) as the direct answer, or assuming IAM users with static keys are acceptable for mobile apps. Remember that STS is the foundational service for issuing temporary credentials, while Cognito and SSO are higher-level orchestration layers. A useful memory tip: think of STS as the “temporary key dispenser” for any scenario requiring short-lived access, especially in mobile and web environments.
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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 wants to provide temporary, limited-privilege credentials to users so they can access AWS resources from mobile applications. Which AWS service should the company use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
AWS Security Token Service (STS)
Option B is correct because AWS STS issues temporary credentials. Option A is wrong because IAM users have long-term credentials. Option C is wrong because Cognito identity pools can use STS but the base service for temporary credentials is STS. Option D is wrong because SSO provides federated access but not temporary credentials for mobile apps directly.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
AWS Security Token Service (STS)
Why this is correct
STS issues temporary, limited-privilege credentials for users.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
AWS Single Sign-On (SSO)
Why it's wrong here
SSO provides federated access but is not the direct service for temporary credentials from mobile apps.
✗
AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) users
Why it's wrong here
IAM users have permanent credentials, not temporary.
✗
Amazon Cognito user pools
Why it's wrong here
Cognito user pools are for identity management, not directly issuing AWS credentials.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Security Token Service (STS) — Option B is correct because AWS STS issues temporary credentials. Option A is wrong because IAM users have long-term credentials. Option C is wrong because Cognito identity pools can use STS but the base service for temporary credentials is STS. Option D is wrong because SSO provides federated access but not temporary credentials for mobile apps directly.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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