- A
The S3 bucket has an S3 Object Lock configuration that prevents writes.
Why wrong: Object Lock does not prevent writes; it only enforces retention settings after objects are written.
- B
The S3 bucket is in a different AWS Region from the trail.
Why wrong: CloudTrail can deliver logs to a bucket in any region as long as the bucket policy allows cross-region access.
- C
CloudTrail is not enabled in the AWS Region where the S3 bucket resides.
Why wrong: CloudTrail can be configured to deliver logs across regions; the trail's home region is the one where the trail is created.
- D
The S3 bucket uses AWS KMS server-side encryption (SSE-KMS) and the KMS key policy does not grant CloudTrail permission to use the key.
CloudTrail must have kms:GenerateDataKey and kms:Decrypt permissions on the KMS key to encrypt/decrypt log files.
SCS-C02 Security Logging and Monitoring Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security logging and monitoring. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 security engineer is troubleshooting why CloudTrail is not delivering logs to an S3 bucket. The bucket policy allows CloudTrail to write objects, and the trail is configured with the correct bucket name. However, no log files appear. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The S3 bucket uses AWS KMS server-side encryption (SSE-KMS) and the KMS key policy does not grant CloudTrail permission to use the key.
CloudTrail requires specific permissions to write to S3, including s3:PutObject and s3:GetBucketAcl. If the KMS key policy does not allow CloudTrail to use it, log delivery fails silently.
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.
- ✗
The S3 bucket has an S3 Object Lock configuration that prevents writes.
Why it's wrong here
Object Lock does not prevent writes; it only enforces retention settings after objects are written.
- ✗
The S3 bucket is in a different AWS Region from the trail.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail can deliver logs to a bucket in any region as long as the bucket policy allows cross-region access.
- ✗
CloudTrail is not enabled in the AWS Region where the S3 bucket resides.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail can be configured to deliver logs across regions; the trail's home region is the one where the trail is created.
- ✓
The S3 bucket uses AWS KMS server-side encryption (SSE-KMS) and the KMS key policy does not grant CloudTrail permission to use the key.
Why this is correct
CloudTrail must have kms:GenerateDataKey and kms:Decrypt permissions on the KMS key to encrypt/decrypt log files.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" 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.
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Security Logging and Monitoring — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Security Logging and Monitoring — This question tests Security Logging and Monitoring — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The S3 bucket uses AWS KMS server-side encryption (SSE-KMS) and the KMS key policy does not grant CloudTrail permission to use the key. — CloudTrail requires specific permissions to write to S3, including s3:PutObject and s3:GetBucketAcl. If the KMS key policy does not allow CloudTrail to use it, log delivery fails silently.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.
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