- A
Amazon CloudWatch Logs
Why wrong: Amazon CloudWatch Logs is used for monitoring and storing logs, but it does not natively detect anomalous IAM user behavior without custom configuration. CloudTrail and GuardDuty are more direct solutions.
- B
AWS Config
Why wrong: AWS Config is used for tracking resource configuration changes, not for detecting anomalous user behavior.
- C
Amazon GuardDuty
Amazon GuardDuty is correct because it uses machine learning to detect anomalous IAM user behavior, such as logins from unusual geographic locations, across multiple accounts.
- D
IAM Access Analyzer
Why wrong: IAM Access Analyzer is incorrect; it analyzes resource policies to identify unintended external access to resources, not user behavior anomalies like unusual login locations.
- E
AWS CloudTrail
AWS CloudTrail is correct because it records all IAM user sign-in events and API calls, providing the raw logs that GuardDuty analyzes to detect anomalies.
SCS-C02 Amazon GuardDuty Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security logging and monitoring. 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. A key principle to apply: amazon GuardDuty. 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 has a requirement to detect and alert on anomalous IAM user behavior, such as a user logging in from an unusual geographic location. The company uses AWS Organizations and has multiple accounts. Which services should the company use to meet this requirement? (Choose two.)
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
Amazon GuardDuty
Amazon GuardDuty (C) is correct because it uses machine learning to detect anomalous IAM user behavior, such as logins from unusual geographic locations, across multiple accounts when integrated with AWS Organizations. AWS CloudTrail (E) is correct because it records all IAM user sign-in events and API calls, providing the raw data that GuardDuty analyzes. CloudTrail is essential for capturing the logs that enable GuardDuty to detect anomalies. IAM Access Analyzer (D) is incorrect because it focuses on resource policies and unintended external access, not user behavior anomalies like unusual login locations.
Key principle: Amazon GuardDuty
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Amazon CloudWatch Logs
Why it's wrong here
Amazon CloudWatch Logs is used for monitoring and storing logs, but it does not natively detect anomalous IAM user behavior without custom configuration. CloudTrail and GuardDuty are more direct solutions.
- ✗
AWS Config
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config is used for tracking resource configuration changes, not for detecting anomalous user behavior.
- ✓
Amazon GuardDuty
Why this is correct
Amazon GuardDuty is correct because it uses machine learning to detect anomalous IAM user behavior, such as logins from unusual geographic locations, across multiple accounts.
Related concept
Amazon GuardDuty
- ✗
IAM Access Analyzer
Why it's wrong here
IAM Access Analyzer is incorrect; it analyzes resource policies to identify unintended external access to resources, not user behavior anomalies like unusual login locations.
- ✓
AWS CloudTrail
Why this is correct
AWS CloudTrail is correct because it records all IAM user sign-in events and API calls, providing the raw logs that GuardDuty analyzes to detect anomalies.
Related concept
Amazon GuardDuty
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often choose only GuardDuty or mistakenly include IAM Access Analyzer. The correct pair is GuardDuty for detection and CloudTrail for logging the events that GuardDuty analyzes. CloudTrail alone does not detect anomalies, but it is necessary for providing the data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
GuardDuty uses a combination of threat intelligence feeds (e.g., known malicious IPs) and machine learning models to establish a baseline of normal IAM user behavior within an account. When a user logs in from a geographic location that deviates significantly from their historical pattern, GuardDuty generates a finding (e.g., 'UnauthorizedAccess:IAMUser/AnomalousLogin') that can be sent to Amazon EventBridge for automated remediation or alerting. In multi-account setups via AWS Organizations, GuardDuty can be centrally managed using a delegated administrator account, allowing cross-account visibility without deploying agents.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Amazon GuardDuty
- AWS CloudTrail
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Amazon GuardDuty
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 amazon GuardDuty, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Security Logging and Monitoring — This question tests Security Logging and Monitoring — Amazon GuardDuty.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Amazon GuardDuty — Amazon GuardDuty (C) is correct because it uses machine learning to detect anomalous IAM user behavior, such as logins from unusual geographic locations, across multiple accounts when integrated with AWS Organizations. AWS CloudTrail (E) is correct because it records all IAM user sign-in events and API calls, providing the raw data that GuardDuty analyzes. CloudTrail is essential for capturing the logs that enable GuardDuty to detect anomalies. IAM Access Analyzer (D) is incorrect because it focuses on resource policies and unintended external access, not user behavior anomalies like unusual login locations.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review amazon GuardDuty, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Amazon GuardDuty
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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