The answer is to add a bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject if the x-amz-server-side-encryption header is not present, combined with enabling S3 default encryption. This works because the bucket policy acts as an explicit deny for any upload attempt that lacks encryption headers, while default encryption ensures objects are encrypted even if the header is accidentally omitted. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how bucket policies can enforce encryption at upload, a common trap being that default encryption alone does not block unencrypted uploads—it only encrypts them after the fact. The key distinction is that a policy with a condition key for the encryption header proactively denies non-compliant requests, whereas default encryption is a reactive measure. Memory tip: think of it as “policy first, default second”—the policy is the bouncer at the door, default encryption is the backup plan inside.
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
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. 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 is designing a data protection solution for Amazon S3. They need to ensure that all objects are encrypted at rest and that any attempt to upload an unencrypted object is denied. Which THREE steps should they take? (Choose THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable default encryption on the S3 bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
Enabling S3 default encryption (Option A) ensures new objects are encrypted. Using a bucket policy to deny PutObject without encryption headers (Option C) enforces encryption. Enabling S3 Block Public Access (Option B) prevents public access but not unencrypted uploads. Enabling MFA Delete (Option D) adds authentication for deletes. Enabling versioning (Option E) does not enforce encryption.
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.
✗
Enable versioning on the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Versioning preserves object versions but does not enforce encryption.
✗
Enable MFA Delete on the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
MFA Delete is for deletion protection, not encryption enforcement.
✓
Enable default encryption on the S3 bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
Why this is correct
This automatically encrypts objects if no encryption header is provided.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Add a bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject if the x-amz-server-side-encryption header is not present.
Why this is correct
This explicitly denies uploads without encryption.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable S3 Block Public Access settings.
Why it's wrong here
This prevents public access but does not enforce encryption.
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 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.
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.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable default encryption on the S3 bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS. — Enabling S3 default encryption (Option A) ensures new objects are encrypted. Using a bucket policy to deny PutObject without encryption headers (Option C) enforces encryption. Enabling S3 Block Public Access (Option B) prevents public access but not unencrypted uploads. Enabling MFA Delete (Option D) adds authentication for deletes. Enabling versioning (Option E) does not enforce encryption.
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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