The correct answer is that the security group rule allowing SSH access from any IP address (0.0.0.0/0) is the most significant security concern. This is because the CloudTrail log entry reveals an AuthorizeSecurityGroupIngress event opening port 22 to the entire internet, which directly exposes the instance to brute-force attacks and unauthorized access—a classic security misconfiguration. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this tests your ability to interpret CloudTrail logs to identify security misconfigurations, specifically overly permissive ingress rules that violate the principle of least privilege. A common trap is focusing on the lack of MFA, but remember that an open administrative port (like SSH) is a more immediate and exploitable risk than a missing MFA flag. Memory tip: “Port 22 to the world is a security hazard unfurled.”
SCS-C02 Security Logging and Monitoring Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security logging and monitoring. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The security group rule allows SSH access from any IP address (0.0.0.0/0).
The event shows a security group rule allowing SSH (port 22) from 0.0.0.0/0, which is a serious security risk. Additionally, the user did not use MFA despite having AdminRole privileges. Option A is correct because the open SSH access is the primary concern. Option B is wrong because while MFA not used is a concern, the open port is more critical. Option C is wrong because there is no indication of a compromised account. Option D is wrong because the event itself is not unusual but the configuration is.
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.
✓
The security group rule allows SSH access from any IP address (0.0.0.0/0).
Why this is correct
This exposes the instance to the internet on port 22.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The event is a normal administrative action and poses no security concern.
The user did not have MFA enabled when assuming the AdminRole.
Why it's wrong here
MFA is important but the open SSH rule is a more immediate threat.
✗
The source IP address (203.0.113.5) is from an unusual location.
Why it's wrong here
The IP is not necessarily suspicious; it's a test IP.
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 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 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.
Security Logging and Monitoring — This question tests Security Logging and Monitoring — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The security group rule allows SSH access from any IP address (0.0.0.0/0). — The event shows a security group rule allowing SSH (port 22) from 0.0.0.0/0, which is a serious security risk. Additionally, the user did not use MFA despite having AdminRole privileges. Option A is correct because the open SSH access is the primary concern. Option B is wrong because while MFA not used is a concern, the open port is more critical. Option C is wrong because there is no indication of a compromised account. Option D is wrong because the event itself is not unusual but the configuration is.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer is reviewing a CloudTrail event. What security concern does this event raise?
hard
A.The user is revoking a security group rule.
B.The event is not being logged by CloudTrail.
C.The user is using the AWS root account.
✓ D.The user is opening SSH access to the world.
Why D: Option B is correct. The event shows an IAM user adding an inbound rule to security group sg-12345 that allows SSH (port 22) from any IP (0.0.0.0/0). This is a security best practice violation because it exposes the instance to the internet. Option A is wrong because the user is an IAM user, not root. Option C is wrong because the event is logged, which is good. Option D is wrong because the API is AuthorizeSecurityGroupIngress, not Revoke.
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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.
Question Discussion
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