The correct answer is to create an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:DeleteObject unless the object age is greater than 7 years. This works by using the s3:objectageondisk condition key in a Deny statement, which calculates the time since the object was uploaded and blocks any delete request if that age is less than the required retention period. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of S3 policy-based retention versus other mechanisms—a common trap is confusing lifecycle policies (which only transition or expire objects) or versioning (which protects overwrites but not explicit deletions) with true time-based deletion prevention. MFA Delete is another distractor, as it adds a second factor but does not enforce a duration. For memory, think of the policy as a "time-lock vault": the condition key checks the object's age like a countdown timer, and the Deny effect slams the door shut until the timer expires.
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 store audit logs for a minimum of 7 years to meet compliance requirements. The logs are stored in Amazon S3. Which action should be taken to ensure logs are not deleted before 7 years?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:DeleteObject unless the object age is greater than 7 years.
An S3 bucket policy denying s3:DeleteObject if the object age is less than 7 years can prevent premature deletion. Option B is correct. Lifecycle policy (A) transitions objects, doesn't prevent deletion. Versioning (C) helps with overwrites but not deletion. MFA Delete (D) adds protection but doesn't enforce time-based retention.
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 MFA Delete on the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
MFA Delete adds protection but doesn't enforce retention period.
✗
Configure an S3 Lifecycle policy to transition objects to Glacier after 7 years.
Why it's wrong here
Lifecycle transitions objects, does not prevent deletion.
✗
Enable S3 Versioning to preserve all versions of objects.
Why it's wrong here
Versioning preserves overwrites, not deletion.
✓
Create an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:DeleteObject unless the object age is greater than 7 years.
Why this is correct
Denies deletion of objects younger than 7 years.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
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 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.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:DeleteObject unless the object age is greater than 7 years. — An S3 bucket policy denying s3:DeleteObject if the object age is less than 7 years can prevent premature deletion. Option B is correct. Lifecycle policy (A) transitions objects, doesn't prevent deletion. Versioning (C) helps with overwrites but not deletion. MFA Delete (D) adds protection but doesn't enforce time-based retention.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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