The correct solution is to use AWS Config with the managed rule `s3-bucket-server-side-encryption-enabled` and an automatic remediation action. This works because AWS Config continuously evaluates your S3 buckets against the rule, and when it detects a bucket lacking server-side encryption (SSE), it can trigger a pre-configured remediation action—such as applying default encryption or an S3 Bucket Key—without manual intervention. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of detective versus preventive controls: AWS Config is a detective service that can auto-remediate, while SCPs or bucket policies are preventive but require careful scoping. A common trap is choosing IAM policies (which restrict user actions, not bucket creation) or bucket policies (which enforce encryption on access, not on the bucket resource itself). Memory tip: think “Config catches and fixes” for automatic remediation of non-compliant resources.
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
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 Amazon S3 buckets in an AWS account have server-side encryption (SSE) enabled. The engineer wants to automatically remediate any bucket that is created without SSE. Which solution should the engineer implement?
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 with a managed rule (s3-bucket-server-side-encryption-enabled) and an automatic remediation action.
Option A is correct because AWS Config rules can be used to detect non-compliant buckets and trigger remediation actions. Option B is wrong because SCPs can deny creation of buckets without encryption but require careful policy writing. Option C is wrong because IAM policies enforce on principals, not buckets. Option D is wrong because bucket policies can require encryption but only for access, not creation.
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 S3 bucket policies to deny access to objects without encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Bucket policies enforce encryption for access, not for bucket creation.
✗
Apply an IAM policy that requires SSE for all S3 actions.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot enforce encryption on bucket creation; they affect principals.
✓
Use AWS Config with a managed rule (s3-bucket-server-side-encryption-enabled) and an automatic remediation action.
Why this is correct
AWS Config can detect and automatically remediate non-compliant resources.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies creation of buckets without encryption.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs can prevent creation but require proactive enforcement; they don't automatically remediate existing buckets.
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.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Config with a managed rule (s3-bucket-server-side-encryption-enabled) and an automatic remediation action. — Option A is correct because AWS Config rules can be used to detect non-compliant buckets and trigger remediation actions. Option B is wrong because SCPs can deny creation of buckets without encryption but require careful policy writing. Option C is wrong because IAM policies enforce on principals, not buckets. Option D is wrong because bucket policies can require encryption but only for access, not creation.
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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Question Discussion
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