The correct answer is to deny access if MFA is not present, using an IAM policy with a Deny effect and the condition key `aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent` set to `false`. This works because an explicit Deny overrides any Allow, so when the condition `aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent` evaluates to `false` (meaning MFA is not used), the Deny statement blocks all actions, effectively enforcing MFA for IAM users. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the difference between Allow and Deny logic in IAM policies, and the common trap is choosing an Allow statement with the condition `true`—that only permits access when MFA is present but does not block access when MFA is absent, leaving a security gap. A reliable memory tip is "Deny if false, Allow if true": to enforce MFA, you must explicitly deny when the MFA condition is false, not merely allow when it is true.
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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 wants to enforce that all IAM users must use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access the AWS Management Console. Which policy should be attached to the IAM users or group to enforce this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deny access if MFA is not present
Option B is correct because the condition 'aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent':'true' in a Deny statement ensures that if MFA is not present, access is denied. Option A is wrong because it allows access without MFA. Option C is wrong because it only denies when MFA is present. Option D is wrong because it allows access with MFA but does not deny without it.
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.
✗
Allow access if MFA is present
Why it's wrong here
This allows access with MFA but does not prevent access without MFA, so it does not enforce MFA.
✓
Deny access if MFA is not present
Why this is correct
This explicitly denies access when MFA is not used, enforcing MFA.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Deny access if MFA is present
Why it's wrong here
This would deny access when MFA is used, which is the opposite of the requirement.
✗
Grant access with a condition requiring MFA
Why it's wrong here
This would allow access if MFA is present but does not deny access if MFA is absent.
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.
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.
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deny access if MFA is not present — Option B is correct because the condition 'aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent':'true' in a Deny statement ensures that if MFA is not present, access is denied. Option A is wrong because it allows access without MFA. Option C is wrong because it only denies when MFA is present. Option D is wrong because it allows access with MFA but does not deny without it.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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