- A
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
This condition key can be used in S3 bucket policies to require that S3 PUT requests using SSE-KMS include a specific encryption context key. However, it only checks for the presence of the key, not the value. For a specific key-value pair, kms:EncryptionContext should be used.
- B
kms:ViaService
Why wrong: kms:ViaService restricts which AWS service can use the KMS key, not the encryption context.
- C
s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption
Why wrong: s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption enforces the server-side encryption algorithm (e.g., AES256 or aws:kms), not the encryption context.
- D
s3:PutObjectEncryption
Why wrong: s3:PutObjectEncryption is not a valid S3 condition key.
Question 1,221 of 1,748
Enforce Encryption Context in S3 PUT Requests
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. 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: kms:EncryptionContextKeys. 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 uses AWS KMS to encrypt data in Amazon S3. The security team wants to enforce that all S3 PUT requests include an encryption context that matches a specific key-value pair. Which S3 bucket policy condition key should be used?
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
✓
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
The correct answer is A: kms:EncryptionContextKeys. However, note that this condition key checks only for the presence of a specific encryption context key, not a key-value pair. To enforce a specific key-value pair, use kms:EncryptionContext instead. The question's requirement to match a specific key-value pair is better served by kms:EncryptionContext, but among the given options, kms:EncryptionContextKeys is the closest condition key related to encryption context enforcement in S3 bucket policies. Option B (kms:ViaService) restricts KMS key usage to a specific service, not encryption context. Option C (s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption) enforces the server-side encryption type, such as AES256 or aws:kms, not the encryption context. Option D (s3:PutObjectEncryption) is not a valid S3 condition key.
Key principle: kms:EncryptionContextKeys
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
Why this is correct
This condition key can be used in S3 bucket policies to require that S3 PUT requests using SSE-KMS include a specific encryption context key. However, it only checks for the presence of the key, not the value. For a specific key-value pair, kms:EncryptionContext should be used.
Related concept
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
- ✗
kms:ViaService
Why it's wrong here
kms:ViaService restricts which AWS service can use the KMS key, not the encryption context.
- ✗
s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption
Why it's wrong here
s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption enforces the server-side encryption algorithm (e.g., AES256 or aws:kms), not the encryption context.
- ✗
s3:PutObjectEncryption
Why it's wrong here
s3:PutObjectEncryption is not a valid S3 condition key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse kms:EncryptionContextKeys with kms:EncryptionContext. The former checks for key presence, while the latter checks for a key-value pair. Ensure you understand the difference for the exam.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- kms:EncryptionContextKeys
- kms:EncryptionContext
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
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review kms:EncryptionContextKeys, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Data Protection — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — kms:EncryptionContextKeys.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kms:EncryptionContextKeys — The correct answer is A: kms:EncryptionContextKeys. However, note that this condition key checks only for the presence of a specific encryption context key, not a key-value pair. To enforce a specific key-value pair, use kms:EncryptionContext instead. The question's requirement to match a specific key-value pair is better served by kms:EncryptionContext, but among the given options, kms:EncryptionContextKeys is the closest condition key related to encryption context enforcement in S3 bucket policies. Option B (kms:ViaService) restricts KMS key usage to a specific service, not encryption context. Option C (s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption) enforces the server-side encryption type, such as AES256 or aws:kms, not the encryption context. Option D (s3:PutObjectEncryption) is not a valid S3 condition key.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review kms:EncryptionContextKeys, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
kms:EncryptionContextKeys
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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