The correct answer is the IAM policy that uses the `Resource` element with the `arn:aws:iam::*:user/${aws:username}` variable and the `iam:*AccessKey*` action. This works because the `${aws:username}` policy variable dynamically resolves to the IAM user’s own username at runtime, effectively scoping the allowed actions—such as `CreateAccessKey`, `UpdateAccessKey`, and `DeleteAccessKey`—to only that user’s own access keys. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of least-privilege access and policy variable usage, a common trap being the mistaken choice of a policy that grants `iam:ListAccessKeys` or `iam:UpdateAccessKey` on a broad `"Resource": "*"`, which would allow a user to manage any user’s keys. A reliable memory tip is to think of the policy variable as a “self-only lock”: if the resource ARN does not end with `${aws:username}`, the user can manage keys for others.
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company wants to allow an IAM user to manage only their own access keys. Which IAM policy should be attached to the user?
Option C is correct because the IAM policy with 'Condition': {'StringEquals': {'iam:username': '${aws:username}'}} restricts the user to manage only their own access keys. Option A gives full access to all users' keys. Option B denies all key management. Option D allows full access without restriction.
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.
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.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: {"Version":"2012-10-17","Statement":[{"Effect":"Allow","Action":"iam:*AccessKey*","Resource":"arn:aws:iam::*:user/${aws:username}"}]} — Option C is correct because the IAM policy with 'Condition': {'StringEquals': {'iam:username': '${aws:username}'}} restricts the user to manage only their own access keys. Option A gives full access to all users' keys. Option B denies all key management. Option D allows full access without restriction.
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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