- A
Use AWS Config rules to detect users without MFA.
Why wrong: Incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect non-compliance but cannot enforce MFA for console access.
- B
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
Correct because MFA must be enabled on each user as a prerequisite for enforcement.
- C
Attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present.
Correct because an IAM policy with a condition denying access when MFA is not present enforces MFA for console login.
- D
Apply an SCP that requires MFA for console access.
Why wrong: Incorrect because SCPs apply to account-level actions and cannot directly require MFA for individual user console login.
- E
Configure an IAM password policy to require MFA.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the IAM password policy cannot require MFA for console access; it only requires MFA for password changes.
Enforce MFA for AWS Console Access: 3 Steps | AWS Security Specialty
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: iAM Policy Conditions. 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 security team needs to ensure that all IAM users in a production account use multi-factor authentication (MFA) before accessing the AWS Management Console. Which THREE steps should be taken? (Choose THREE.)
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
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
To enforce MFA for console access, you need to enable MFA for each user (B) and attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present (C). Option E is incorrect because the IAM password policy cannot require MFA; it only requires MFA for password changes, not console login. Option A is incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect users without MFA but cannot enforce it. Option D is incorrect because SCPs apply to accounts, not individual user console access; they cannot directly require MFA for console login.
Key principle: IAM Policy Conditions
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 AWS Config rules to detect users without MFA.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect non-compliance but cannot enforce MFA for console access.
- ✓
Enable MFA for each IAM user.
Why this is correct
Correct because MFA must be enabled on each user as a prerequisite for enforcement.
Related concept
IAM Policy Conditions
- ✓
Attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present.
Why this is correct
Correct because an IAM policy with a condition denying access when MFA is not present enforces MFA for console login.
Related concept
IAM Policy Conditions
- ✗
Apply an SCP that requires MFA for console access.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SCPs apply to account-level actions and cannot directly require MFA for individual user console login.
- ✗
Configure an IAM password policy to require MFA.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the IAM password policy cannot require MFA for console access; it only requires MFA for password changes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
This question asks to select three steps, but only two steps (B and C) are actually correct. The other options are incorrect. Candidates may incorrectly think there is a third correct step, such as configuring an IAM password policy or using AWS Config, but these do not enforce MFA for console access.
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
- IAM Policy Conditions
- IAM Password Policy
- MFA Enforcement
- SCP Limitations
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
IAM Policy Conditions
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 iAM Policy Conditions, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — IAM Policy Conditions.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable MFA for each IAM user. — To enforce MFA for console access, you need to enable MFA for each user (B) and attach an IAM policy that denies console access if MFA is not present (C). Option E is incorrect because the IAM password policy cannot require MFA; it only requires MFA for password changes, not console login. Option A is incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect users without MFA but cannot enforce it. Option D is incorrect because SCPs apply to accounts, not individual user console access; they cannot directly require MFA for console login.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review iAM Policy Conditions, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
IAM Policy Conditions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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