The correct answer involves enabling S3 default encryption, using a bucket policy to deny PutObject requests without the x-amz-server-side-encryption header, and enabling S3 Block Public Access. Default encryption ensures that any object uploaded without explicit encryption settings is automatically encrypted at rest, satisfying the compliance requirement. The bucket policy acts as a hard block, rejecting any upload attempt that lacks the required encryption header, which directly enforces S3 encryption and blocks unencrypted uploads at the API level. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of combining preventive controls—policy-based enforcement with server-side defaults—rather than relying on client-side measures alone. A common trap is confusing S3 Transfer Acceleration or Object Lock with encryption enforcement; remember that Transfer Acceleration only speeds up transfers and Object Lock prevents deletion, not encryption. Memory tip: think “Default + Deny + Block” to recall the three pillars of encryption enforcement.
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 strategy for Amazon S3. The compliance team requires that all objects be encrypted at rest and that any attempt to upload an unencrypted object be blocked. Which THREE steps should the company 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 bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
Options A, B, and D are correct. Option A: Enabling default encryption ensures objects are encrypted at rest. Option B: Using a bucket policy to deny PutObject without encryption header blocks unencrypted uploads. Option D: Using S3 Block Public Access prevents public exposure. Option C is wrong because S3 Transfer Acceleration does not encrypt data. Option E is wrong because S3 Object Lock 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 default encryption on the bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
Add a bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header.
Why this is correct
This blocks unencrypted uploads.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable S3 Object Lock.
Why it's wrong here
Object Lock prevents deletion/modification, not encryption.
✗
Enable S3 Transfer Acceleration.
Why it's wrong here
Transfer Acceleration does not provide encryption.
✓
Enable S3 Block Public Access.
Why this is correct
Block Public Access prevents unauthorized public access.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 bucket with SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS. — Options A, B, and D are correct. Option A: Enabling default encryption ensures objects are encrypted at rest. Option B: Using a bucket policy to deny PutObject without encryption header blocks unencrypted uploads. Option D: Using S3 Block Public Access prevents public exposure. Option C is wrong because S3 Transfer Acceleration does not encrypt data. Option E is wrong because S3 Object Lock 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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