The answer is that the IAM user 'john' is not granted kms:Decrypt in the key policy. This is because AWS KMS key policies act as the primary access control mechanism for a CMK, and when a key policy explicitly lists only a specific IAM role—such as AdminRole—as the principal allowed to perform kms:Decrypt, any other identity, including an IAM user in the same account, is denied access unless that user is also explicitly listed or the role is assumed. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how KMS key policies interact with IAM policies, a common trap being that users assume IAM permissions alone can override a restrictive key policy. Remember, a key policy that grants access only to a role means the user must assume that role to decrypt, not use their own credentials. Memory tip: "Key policy is king—if it names a role, you must take that role."
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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A user receives the above error when trying to decrypt a file using AWS KMS. The key policy is shown below:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The IAM user 'john' is not granted kms:Decrypt in the key policy
Option A is correct because the key policy only allows the AdminRole to decrypt, not the user 'john'. Option B is wrong because the key exists and the ARN is valid. Option C is wrong because the wrong key ID would result in a different error. Option D is wrong because the ciphertext is provided and the CLI command is correct.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The ciphertext was encrypted with a different KMS key
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: That would result in an InvalidCiphertextException.
✗
The KMS key does not exist
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: The error indicates the key exists but access is denied.
✗
The command syntax is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: The syntax is correct.
✓
The IAM user 'john' is not granted kms:Decrypt in the key policy
Why this is correct
Correct: The key policy only allows the AdminRole, not the user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The IAM user 'john' is not granted kms:Decrypt in the key policy — Option A is correct because the key policy only allows the AdminRole to decrypt, not the user 'john'. Option B is wrong because the key exists and the ARN is valid. Option C is wrong because the wrong key ID would result in a different error. Option D is wrong because the ciphertext is provided and the CLI command is correct.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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