Quick Answer
The answer is the `x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm` and `x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-key` headers. This is correct because SSE-C requires the customer to provide both the encryption algorithm (typically AES256) and the actual encryption key directly in the PUT request headers, as S3 does not store the key—it only uses it momentarily to encrypt the object and then discards it. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the three server-side encryption options: SSE-S3 (AWS-managed keys), SSE-KMS (KMS keys), and SSE-C (customer-provided keys). A common trap is confusing SSE-C with bucket policies that enforce encryption—policies can mandate encryption but cannot supply the key; the headers must still be present in every request. Memory tip: think "C for Customer" and remember that with SSE-C, you must carry the key in your request's cargo—the two required headers are your algorithm and your key.
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 security engineer needs to ensure that all data stored in an Amazon S3 bucket is encrypted at rest. The bucket must use server-side encryption with a key managed by the customer (SSE-C). What must the engineer include in the PUT request to enforce this?
x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm and x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-key
These headers are required for SSE-C to provide the encryption key.
x-amz-server-side-encryption: AES256
Why wrong: This header is used for SSE-S3, not SSE-C.
x-amz-server-side-encryption: aws:kms
Why wrong: This header is used for SSE-KMS.
x-amz-server-side-encryption-bucket-key-enabled: true
Why wrong: This header is for S3 Bucket Keys, not SSE-C.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm and x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-key
Option B is correct because SSE-C requires the encryption key to be provided in the request headers. Option A is wrong because SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys. Option C is wrong because SSE-KMS uses KMS keys. Option D is wrong because bucket policies can enforce encryption but the key must still be provided in the request.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm and x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-key
Why this is correct
These headers are required for SSE-C to provide the encryption key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
x-amz-server-side-encryption: AES256
Why it's wrong here
This header is used for SSE-S3, not SSE-C.
x-amz-server-side-encryption: aws:kms
Why it's wrong here
This header is used for SSE-KMS.
x-amz-server-side-encryption-bucket-key-enabled: true
Why it's wrong here
This header is for S3 Bucket Keys, not SSE-C.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Infrastructure Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm and x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-key — Option B is correct because SSE-C requires the encryption key to be provided in the request headers. Option A is wrong because SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys. Option C is wrong because SSE-KMS uses KMS keys. Option D is wrong because bucket policies can enforce encryption but the key must still be provided in the request.
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid methods to secure data at rest in Amazon S3? (Choose two.)
easyWhy A: The correct answers are A and C. Option A is correct because S3 SSE-S3 uses server-side encryption with Amazon S3-managed keys. Option C is correct because S3 SSE-C uses customer-provided encryption keys. Option B is wrong because client-side encryption is done before uploading, but it is not a server-side encryption method; however, it is a valid method to secure data at rest, but the question asks for methods to secure data at rest in S3, and client-side encryption is done before data reaches S3. Option D is wrong because S3 Transfer Acceleration is for faster uploads, not encryption. Option E is wrong because S3 Object Lock is for write-once-read-many (WORM) protection, not encryption.
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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