- A
Use an SCP to deny ec2:RunInstances if the request does not include the required tag.
Why wrong: SCPs can deny API calls, but tagging conditions are complex and may not catch all cases.
- B
Use AWS Organizations Tag Policies to enforce the tag.
Why wrong: Tag Policies enforce tags on resources that support them, but they do not auto-terminate noncompliant resources.
- C
Use AWS Config rules with an automatic remediation action that invokes a Lambda function to terminate the instance.
Config can detect untagged instances and auto-remediate by terminating them.
- D
Use AWS CloudTrail to detect RunInstances events and send alerts to the security team.
Why wrong: Alerts require manual action.
Question 1,311 of 1,748
Auto-Terminate EC2 Instances Missing Required Tag with AWS Config | AWS Security Specialty
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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 needs to ensure that all EC2 instances launched in an account have a specific tag (e.g., CostCenter) applied. If an instance is launched without the tag, it should be automatically terminated. Which solution meets these requirements with minimal effort?
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
✓
Use AWS Config rules with an automatic remediation action that invokes a Lambda function to terminate the instance.
Option C is correct because AWS Config rules can detect EC2 instances that are missing the required tag and trigger an automatic remediation action via a Lambda function to terminate them, providing a fully automated solution with minimal effort. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce tagging on individual EC2 instances at launch time; they can only deny actions based on conditions, but tagging conditions are not supported for ec2:RunInstances. Option B is wrong because AWS Organizations Tag Policies enforce tagging on resources but do not automatically remediate non-compliant resources; they only prevent creation of resources without tags if applied at the service level, which is not the case here. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail logs events but cannot automatically terminate instances; it would require manual intervention or additional automation.
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 an SCP to deny ec2:RunInstances if the request does not include the required tag.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs can deny API calls, but tagging conditions are complex and may not catch all cases.
- ✗
Use AWS Organizations Tag Policies to enforce the tag.
Why it's wrong here
Tag Policies enforce tags on resources that support them, but they do not auto-terminate noncompliant resources.
- ✓
Use AWS Config rules with an automatic remediation action that invokes a Lambda function to terminate the instance.
Why this is correct
Config can detect untagged instances and auto-remediate by terminating them.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to detect RunInstances events and send alerts to the security team.
Why it's wrong here
Alerts require manual action.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Quick reference
Cloud Service Model Comparison
| Model | You Manage | Provider Manages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| IaaS | OS, runtime, apps, data | Hardware, hypervisor, networking | EC2, Azure VMs, GCP Compute Engine |
| PaaS | Apps and data | OS, runtime, middleware, hardware | Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Service |
| SaaS | Data and settings only | Everything else | Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Workday |
| FaaS / Serverless | Function code only | Infra, scaling, runtime | Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Run |
| CaaS | Containers and apps | Kubernetes, OS, hardware | EKS, AKS, GKE |
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.
- →
Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Management and Security Governance practice questions
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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: Use AWS Config rules with an automatic remediation action that invokes a Lambda function to terminate the instance. — Option C is correct because AWS Config rules can detect EC2 instances that are missing the required tag and trigger an automatic remediation action via a Lambda function to terminate them, providing a fully automated solution with minimal effort. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce tagging on individual EC2 instances at launch time; they can only deny actions based on conditions, but tagging conditions are not supported for ec2:RunInstances. Option B is wrong because AWS Organizations Tag Policies enforce tagging on resources but do not automatically remediate non-compliant resources; they only prevent creation of resources without tags if applied at the service level, which is not the case here. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail logs events but cannot automatically terminate instances; it would require manual intervention or additional automation.
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
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