- A
Delete the KMS key immediately when it is no longer needed.
Why wrong: Deletion should be scheduled to avoid data loss.
- B
Enable automatic rotation of the KMS key annually.
Rotation helps meet compliance requirements.
- C
Export the KMS key material and store it in a secure S3 bucket.
Why wrong: Exporting key material bypasses KMS security.
- D
Use key policies to restrict which IAM roles can use the key.
Key policies are a primary access control mechanism.
- E
Enable AWS CloudTrail logging to record KMS key usage.
Auditing is essential for security.
Question 3 of 1,748
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. 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.
Which THREE practices are recommended for managing encryption keys in AWS KMS? (Choose 3.)
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 automatic rotation of the KMS key annually.
Options B, D, and E are correct. B: Enabling automatic key rotation annually is a best practice to ensure keys are rotated regularly without manual intervention. D: Using key policies to restrict which IAM roles can use the key follows the principle of least privilege. E: Enabling AWS CloudTrail logging to record KMS key usage provides an audit trail for security monitoring. Option A is incorrect because deleting a KMS key immediately can cause permanent data loss; instead, you should schedule key deletion. Option C is incorrect because exporting KMS key material and storing it in an S3 bucket would expose the key material and defeat the purpose of using a managed service like KMS.
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.
- ✗
Delete the KMS key immediately when it is no longer needed.
Why it's wrong here
Deletion should be scheduled to avoid data loss.
- ✓
Enable automatic rotation of the KMS key annually.
Why this is correct
Rotation helps meet compliance requirements.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Export the KMS key material and store it in a secure S3 bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Exporting key material bypasses KMS security.
- ✓
Use key policies to restrict which IAM roles can use the key.
Why this is correct
Key policies are a primary access control mechanism.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable AWS CloudTrail logging to record KMS key usage.
Why this is correct
Auditing is essential for security.
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 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.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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.
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Data Protection — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable automatic rotation of the KMS key annually. — Options B, D, and E are correct. B: Enabling automatic key rotation annually is a best practice to ensure keys are rotated regularly without manual intervention. D: Using key policies to restrict which IAM roles can use the key follows the principle of least privilege. E: Enabling AWS CloudTrail logging to record KMS key usage provides an audit trail for security monitoring. Option A is incorrect because deleting a KMS key immediately can cause permanent data loss; instead, you should schedule key deletion. Option C is incorrect because exporting KMS key material and storing it in an S3 bucket would expose the key material and defeat the purpose of using a managed service like KMS.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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