Quick Answer
The answer is AWS IAM, as it is the service that manages access keys and provides the APIs needed to rotate them, though no built-in automatic rotation exists. To centrally manage IAM access key rotation across accounts, you must use IAM credential reports and custom automation via the IAM API or AWS Lambda, since IAM itself does not offer native auto-rotation. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that while AWS Secrets Manager can rotate secrets for RDS or Redshift, it cannot rotate IAM access keys—a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose Secrets Manager. The core concept is that IAM access keys are user-level credentials, and rotation requires manual or scripted processes using IAM policies and the UpdateAccessKey API. Memory tip: IAM keys are like house keys—you have to change them yourself; Secrets Manager is a locksmith for other locks, not your front door.
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 company wants to centrally manage access keys for all IAM users across multiple accounts. Which AWS service should be used to rotate access keys automatically?
AWS STS
Why wrong: STS issues temporary credentials, not for rotating long-term keys.
AWS IAM
IAM provides APIs to rotate access keys, but automation must be custom-built.
AWS Secrets Manager
Why wrong: Secrets Manager can rotate secrets for RDS, but not for IAM access keys.
AWS CloudHSM
Why wrong: CloudHSM is for managing encryption keys, not IAM access keys.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS IAM
Option A is correct because IAM access keys can be rotated using IAM credential report and IAM policies, but there is no built-in automatic rotation. However, AWS Secrets Manager can automatically rotate secrets for supported services, but not for IAM access keys. The correct answer is none; IAM access keys must be rotated manually or via custom automation. Given options, Option A is the best because IAM is the service that manages access keys, and you can use IAM API to rotate them. Option B is wrong because STS provides temporary credentials. Option C is wrong because Secrets Manager can store but not rotate IAM keys automatically. Option D is wrong because CloudHSM is for hardware security modules.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS STS
Why it's wrong here
STS issues temporary credentials, not for rotating long-term keys.
AWS IAM
Why this is correct
IAM provides APIs to rotate access keys, but automation must be custom-built.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AWS Secrets Manager
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager can rotate secrets for RDS, but not for IAM access keys.
AWS CloudHSM
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM is for managing encryption keys, not IAM access keys.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS IAM — Option A is correct because IAM access keys can be rotated using IAM credential report and IAM policies, but there is no built-in automatic rotation. However, AWS Secrets Manager can automatically rotate secrets for supported services, but not for IAM access keys. The correct answer is none; IAM access keys must be rotated manually or via custom automation. Given options, Option A is the best because IAM is the service that manages access keys, and you can use IAM API to rotate them. Option B is wrong because STS provides temporary credentials. Option C is wrong because Secrets Manager can store but not rotate IAM keys automatically. Option D is wrong because CloudHSM is for hardware security modules.
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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