The answer is to create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions, such as GetItem and Query, on the specific table and assign it to the Lambda function as its execution role. This is correct because it strictly follows the principle of least privilege, ensuring the function can only perform the exact read operations needed on that single table, with no ability to write, delete, or access other tables. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of IAM role-based access control versus insecure alternatives like hardcoded credentials or overly permissive policies. A common trap is assuming a VPC endpoint alone grants permissions, but endpoints only control network access, not IAM authorization. Memory tip: think "Lambda + Least Privilege = Locked-Down Role," meaning the role should be as narrow as the function’s specific DynamoDB actions and resource ARN.
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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 wants to grant a Lambda function access to read from a DynamoDB table in the same account. What is the most secure way to do this?
Create a VPC endpoint for DynamoDB and associate it with the Lambda function.
Why wrong: VPC endpoints provide network connectivity, not IAM permissions.
B
Attach the AWS managed policy AmazonDynamoDBFullAccess to the Lambda execution role.
Why wrong: This grants more permissions than needed, violating least privilege.
C
Store the database access keys in the Lambda environment variables.
Why wrong: Storing long-term credentials is insecure and not a best practice.
D
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions (e.g., GetItem, Query) on the specific table and assign it to the Lambda function.
This follows least privilege and uses temporary credentials.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions (e.g., GetItem, Query) on the specific table and assign it to the Lambda function.
Option D is correct because it uses an execution role with the least privilege principle. Option A is wrong because it grants full access. Option B is wrong because storing keys in environment variables is insecure. Option C is wrong because VPC endpoints do not grant IAM permissions.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create a VPC endpoint for DynamoDB and associate it with the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
VPC endpoints provide network connectivity, not IAM permissions.
✗
Attach the AWS managed policy AmazonDynamoDBFullAccess to the Lambda execution role.
Why it's wrong here
This grants more permissions than needed, violating least privilege.
✗
Store the database access keys in the Lambda environment variables.
Why it's wrong here
Storing long-term credentials is insecure and not a best practice.
✓
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions (e.g., GetItem, Query) on the specific table and assign it to the Lambda function.
Why this is correct
This follows least privilege and uses temporary credentials.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions (e.g., GetItem, Query) on the specific table and assign it to the Lambda function. — Option D is correct because it uses an execution role with the least privilege principle. Option A is wrong because it grants full access. Option B is wrong because storing keys in environment variables is insecure. Option C is wrong because VPC endpoints do not grant IAM permissions.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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