The correct answer is CloudTrail logs for any ConsoleLogin or AssumeRole events from 203.0.113.5. This is because VPC Flow Logs capture only network metadata—source and destination IPs, ports, and protocols—without any identity or authentication context, so they cannot tell you if the suspicious IP belongs to an authenticated user or an external attacker. CloudTrail, by contrast, records all API activity, including console sign-ins and role assumptions, directly linking an IP to a specific IAM identity. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the separation between network-level logging (Flow Logs) and identity-level logging (CloudTrail), a common trap where candidates mistakenly think Flow Logs include user context. For a memory tip, remember: Flow Logs show the *what* of traffic, CloudTrail shows the *who* of identity—if you see a suspicious IP, always check CloudTrail for a login trail.
SCS-C02 Threat Detection and Incident Response Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of threat detection and incident response. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
2024-03-15T10:30:00Z us-east-1 123456789012 ENI eni-0a1b2c3d4e5f67890 src 203.0.113.5 dst 10.0.1.5 port 443 proto 6 packets 10 bytes 1200 start 2024-03-15T10:30:00Z end 2024-03-15T10:30:05Z action ACCEPT log-status OK
```
A security engineer is analyzing VPC Flow Logs and sees the entry above. The source IP 203.0.113.5 is flagged as suspicious. What additional information would help determine if this is malicious?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
2024-03-15T10:30:00Z us-east-1 123456789012 ENI eni-0a1b2c3d4e5f67890 src 203.0.113.5 dst 10.0.1.5 port 443 proto 6 packets 10 bytes 1200 start 2024-03-15T10:30:00Z end 2024-03-15T10:30:05Z action ACCEPT log-status OK
```
A
The source port used by 203.0.113.5.
Why wrong: Flow logs already show destination port, not source port.
B
CloudTrail logs for any `ConsoleLogin` or `AssumeRole` events from 203.0.113.5.
Could indicate compromised credentials.
C
Network ACL changes associated with the destination subnet.
Why wrong: Less relevant to determining malicious intent.
D
Amazon GuardDuty findings for the destination 10.0.1.5.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
CloudTrail logs for any `ConsoleLogin` or `AssumeRole` events from 203.0.113.5.
Option B is correct because VPC Flow Logs capture network traffic metadata (IPs, ports, protocols) but not the identity or authentication context of the source. CloudTrail logs record API calls, including ConsoleLogin and AssumeRole events, which can reveal whether 203.0.113.5 is associated with an authenticated user or role. If no such events exist, the traffic is likely from an unauthenticated external source, strengthening the case for malicious activity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The source port used by 203.0.113.5.
Why it's wrong here
Flow logs already show destination port, not source port.
✓
CloudTrail logs for any `ConsoleLogin` or `AssumeRole` events from 203.0.113.5.
Why this is correct
Could indicate compromised credentials.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Network ACL changes associated with the destination subnet.
Why it's wrong here
Less relevant to determining malicious intent.
✗
Amazon GuardDuty findings for the destination 10.0.1.5.
Why it's wrong here
May not include this specific IP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on network-layer indicators (ports, ACLs, GuardDuty) instead of recognizing that VPC Flow Logs lack identity context, so CloudTrail is the only service that can tie an IP to an authenticated action.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Flow logs already show destination port, not source port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VPC Flow Logs operate at layer 3/4 and do not include application-layer data or authentication events. CloudTrail’s event history for ConsoleLogin includes the source IP address, user agent, and authentication status (e.g., MFA used), enabling correlation with flow log entries. In a real-world incident, a lack of corresponding CloudTrail events for a suspicious IP often indicates an unauthenticated scan or brute-force attempt, while a matching ConsoleLogin event might suggest a legitimate but compromised credential.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Threat Detection and Incident Response — This question tests Threat Detection and Incident Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: CloudTrail logs for any `ConsoleLogin` or `AssumeRole` events from 203.0.113.5. — Option B is correct because VPC Flow Logs capture network traffic metadata (IPs, ports, protocols) but not the identity or authentication context of the source. CloudTrail logs record API calls, including ConsoleLogin and AssumeRole events, which can reveal whether 203.0.113.5 is associated with an authenticated user or role. If no such events exist, the traffic is likely from an unauthenticated external source, strengthening the case for malicious activity.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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