- A
Configure network ACLs on the subnets where the tasks run.
Why wrong: NACLs are stateless and apply to all instances in a subnet, not per container.
- B
Apply an IAM policy to the task execution role to restrict API calls.
Why wrong: IAM policies control permissions to call AWS APIs, not network traffic.
- C
Attach a security group to the ECS task with outbound rules allowing only the specific API endpoints.
When using awsvpc network mode, tasks get their own security groups that can filter traffic.
- D
Use VPC endpoints to restrict traffic to specific APIs.
Why wrong: VPC endpoints are for private connectivity to AWS services, not for controlling container egress.
Question 250 of 1,748
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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 runs a containerized application on Amazon ECS with Fargate. The security team wants to ensure that the containers can only communicate with specific external APIs and not with other containers in the same task. Which security control should be applied?
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
✓
Attach a security group to the ECS task with outbound rules allowing only the specific API endpoints.
Option C is correct because security groups attached to ECS tasks in awsvpc mode can control inbound and outbound traffic at the task level, allowing restriction of communication to specific external API endpoints. Option A is incorrect because network ACLs operate at the subnet level and are stateless, not suitable for per-task granularity. Option B is incorrect because IAM policies control API authorization, not network traffic. Option D is incorrect because VPC endpoints are used for private connectivity to AWS services, not for restricting container outbound traffic to external APIs.
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.
- ✗
Configure network ACLs on the subnets where the tasks run.
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are stateless and apply to all instances in a subnet, not per container.
- ✗
Apply an IAM policy to the task execution role to restrict API calls.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies control permissions to call AWS APIs, not network traffic.
- ✓
Attach a security group to the ECS task with outbound rules allowing only the specific API endpoints.
Why this is correct
When using awsvpc network mode, tasks get their own security groups that can filter traffic.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Use VPC endpoints to restrict traffic to specific APIs.
Why it's wrong here
VPC endpoints are for private connectivity to AWS services, not for controlling container egress.
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.
Visual reference
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach a security group to the ECS task with outbound rules allowing only the specific API endpoints. — Option C is correct because security groups attached to ECS tasks in awsvpc mode can control inbound and outbound traffic at the task level, allowing restriction of communication to specific external API endpoints. Option A is incorrect because network ACLs operate at the subnet level and are stateless, not suitable for per-task granularity. Option B is incorrect because IAM policies control API authorization, not network traffic. Option D is incorrect because VPC endpoints are used for private connectivity to AWS services, not for restricting container outbound traffic to external APIs.
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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