- A
Use AWS Config rules to detect users without MFA.
Why wrong: Detective, not preventive.
- B
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
Required for users to have MFA devices.
- C
Attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present.
Enforces MFA at the time of access.
- D
Apply an SCP that requires MFA for console access.
Why wrong: SCPs cannot enforce MFA at the user level.
- E
Configure an IAM password policy to require MFA.
The password policy can require an MFA device.
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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 team needs to ensure that all IAM users in a production account use multi-factor authentication (MFA) before accessing the AWS Management Console. Which THREE steps should be taken? (Choose THREE.)
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
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
Options A, C, and E are correct. Enabling MFA on each user, using IAM policy to deny console access without MFA, and using a password policy that requires MFA are all necessary steps. Option B is incorrect because AWS Config can detect but not enforce MFA usage. Option D is incorrect because SCPs apply to accounts, not individual user console access.
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.
- ✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect users without MFA.
Why it's wrong here
Detective, not preventive.
- ✓
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
Why this is correct
Required for users to have MFA devices.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present.
Why this is correct
Enforces MFA at the time of access.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Apply an SCP that requires MFA for console access.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot enforce MFA at the user level.
- ✓
Configure an IAM password policy to require MFA.
Why this is correct
The password policy can require an MFA device.
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 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 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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Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable MFA for each IAM user. — Options A, C, and E are correct. Enabling MFA on each user, using IAM policy to deny console access without MFA, and using a password policy that requires MFA are all necessary steps. Option B is incorrect because AWS Config can detect but not enforce MFA usage. Option D is incorrect because SCPs apply to accounts, not individual user console access.
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.
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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