The correct answer is that the policy does not grant permissions for other required resources such as images or security groups. This is because the EC2 RunInstances API call is a multi-resource action that, beyond ec2:RunInstances, demands explicit permissions on supporting resources like Amazon Machine Images (AMI), security groups, key pairs, network interfaces, and volumes. Even if the primary action is allowed, the request fails if any dependent resource lacks authorization, which is why the developer sees an AccessDenied error despite the policy appearing to permit t2.micro instances. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of resource-level permissions and the implicit denial that occurs when a policy omits these dependencies—a common trap where candidates focus only on the main action or condition keys. Remember the memory tip: “RunInstances is a team sport; every resource player needs its own permission pass.”
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy allows running EC2 instances. A developer tries to launch a t2.micro instance but receives an 'AccessDenied' error. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The policy does not grant permissions for other required resources such as images or security groups.
RunInstances requires permissions on multiple resource types; the policy only grants on instance, not on image, network, etc.
B
The developer is trying to launch a different instance type.
Why wrong: The condition allows t2.micro, so launching t2.micro should be allowed.
C
The region in the policy does not match the developer's region.
Why wrong: The policy specifies us-east-1, and the developer might be in a different region, but that would cause an error about region mismatch, not access denied.
D
The policy has an explicit deny elsewhere.
Why wrong: The exhibit shows only an allow statement; no deny is present.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy does not grant permissions for other required resources such as images or security groups.
Option C is correct because the policy only allows the instance resource, but RunInstances also requires permissions for other resources like images, security groups, etc. Option A is wrong because the condition is on instance type, not on region. Option B is wrong because the condition matches, so that is not the issue. Option D is wrong because the action is allowed, but missing resource permissions cause denial.
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.
✓
The policy does not grant permissions for other required resources such as images or security groups.
Why this is correct
RunInstances requires permissions on multiple resource types; the policy only grants on instance, not on image, network, etc.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The developer is trying to launch a different instance type.
Why it's wrong here
The condition allows t2.micro, so launching t2.micro should be allowed.
✗
The region in the policy does not match the developer's region.
Why it's wrong here
The policy specifies us-east-1, and the developer might be in a different region, but that would cause an error about region mismatch, not access denied.
✗
The policy has an explicit deny elsewhere.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows only an allow statement; no deny is present.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows only an allow statement; no deny is present.
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 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 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.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy does not grant permissions for other required resources such as images or security groups. — Option C is correct because the policy only allows the instance resource, but RunInstances also requires permissions for other resources like images, security groups, etc. Option A is wrong because the condition is on instance type, not on region. Option B is wrong because the condition matches, so that is not the issue. Option D is wrong because the action is allowed, but missing resource permissions cause denial.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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