- A
Use a CloudFormation template that includes the KMS key ID as a hardcoded value.
Why wrong: Users could modify the template and use a different key.
- B
Use a CloudFormation parameter to accept the KMS key ID and validate it with a rule.
Why wrong: Users could still pass a different key ID that is not the approved key.
- C
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
StackSets allow central management and enforcement of template content, including the KMS key.
- D
Use an AWS Organizations service control policy (SCP) to deny all CloudFormation actions unless a specific KMS key is used.
Why wrong: SCPs cannot enforce a specific KMS key for all resources created by CloudFormation; the condition key is not available.
How to Ensure All CloudFormation Stacks Use a Specific KMS Key: StackSets Approach
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 uses AWS CloudFormation to deploy infrastructure. A security engineer needs to ensure that all CloudFormation stacks use a specific AWS KMS key for encrypting resources that support encryption. Which approach 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
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
Option C is correct because AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model allow you to deploy a centrally managed template across multiple accounts and regions from a single administrator account. By hardcoding the KMS key ID directly in the template (or referencing a stack-set parameter that is locked down), you enforce that all stack instances use the specified KMS key for encryption-enabled resources, ensuring consistent compliance without relying on individual user input.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a CloudFormation template that includes the KMS key ID as a hardcoded value.
Why it's wrong here
Users could modify the template and use a different key.
- ✗
Use a CloudFormation parameter to accept the KMS key ID and validate it with a rule.
Why it's wrong here
Users could still pass a different key ID that is not the approved key.
- ✓
Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key.
Why this is correct
StackSets allow central management and enforcement of template content, including the KMS key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use an AWS Organizations service control policy (SCP) to deny all CloudFormation actions unless a specific KMS key is used.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot enforce a specific KMS key for all resources created by CloudFormation; the condition key is not available.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse SCPs with resource-level enforcement, not realizing that SCPs cannot evaluate the specific values of CloudFormation template parameters or resource properties, only the API actions themselves.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CloudFormation StackSets use a self-managed or service-managed permission model; the service-managed model integrates with AWS Organizations to automatically deploy stacks to specified accounts and OUs. The centrally managed template can include a hardcoded KMS key ARN or reference a Systems Manager parameter store value that is locked down via resource-based policies, ensuring that all stack instances use the same key. This approach is commonly used in multi-account environments to enforce encryption standards without relying on individual user compliance.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model to deploy stacks from a centrally managed template that includes the KMS key. — Option C is correct because AWS CloudFormation StackSets with a service-managed permission model allow you to deploy a centrally managed template across multiple accounts and regions from a single administrator account. By hardcoding the KMS key ID directly in the template (or referencing a stack-set parameter that is locked down), you enforce that all stack instances use the specified KMS key for encryption-enabled resources, ensuring consistent compliance without relying on individual user input.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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