The correct change is to set the data resource value to 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/' to cover all objects. This is necessary because the current CloudTrail configuration only specifies the prefix 'logs/', meaning only object-level API calls within that folder are logged, while calls like GetObject or PutObject on objects outside that prefix are missed. By using the trailing slash on the bucket ARN, you instruct CloudTrail to capture all object-level events for every key in the bucket, which directly satisfies the requirement to log all S3 object-level API calls. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how CloudTrail data events work with S3 prefixes versus entire buckets—a common trap is assuming the bucket ARN alone (without the trailing slash) covers objects, but it does not; the slash is the key. Remember the memory tip: “Slash for stash”—the trailing slash tells CloudTrail to log every object in the stash.
SCS-C02 Security Logging and Monitoring Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security logging and monitoring. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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
A security engineer needs to ensure that all S3 object-level API calls (e.g., GetObject, PutObject) on the bucket 'my-bucket' are logged. The current CloudTrail configuration is as shown in the exhibit. What change should the engineer make?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the data resource value to 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/' to cover all objects.
Option B is correct because the current data resource only specifies the prefix 'logs/', not the entire bucket. To log all object-level events for the bucket, the value should be 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/'. Option A is wrong because the bucket itself is not the issue; the prefix is. Option C is wrong because the trail already includes management events. Option D is wrong because the trail already has a data resource for S3.
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.
✗
Remove the DataResources section and add an AdvancedEventSelector for S3.
Why it's wrong here
AdvancedEventSelectors are not needed if the data resource can be corrected.
✗
Change the bucket ARN to 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket' without a trailing slash.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is the prefix, not the bucket name format.
✗
Enable management events by setting IncludeManagementEvents to true.
Why it's wrong here
Management events are already enabled.
✓
Change the data resource value to 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/' to cover all objects.
Why this is correct
This includes all object-level events for the bucket.
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 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.
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.
Security Logging and Monitoring — This question tests Security Logging and Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the data resource value to 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/' to cover all objects. — Option B is correct because the current data resource only specifies the prefix 'logs/', not the entire bucket. To log all object-level events for the bucket, the value should be 'arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/'. Option A is wrong because the bucket itself is not the issue; the prefix is. Option C is wrong because the trail already includes management events. Option D is wrong because the trail already has a data resource for S3.
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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