- A
Use the condition key 'ec2:LaunchTemplate' to deny public IPs.
Why wrong: The correct condition key is ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress, not ec2:LaunchTemplate.
- B
Create an SCP that adds an IAM policy to deny ec2:RunInstances.
Why wrong: SCPs are separate from IAM policies and cannot modify them.
- C
Create an SCP with a Deny effect for ec2:RunInstances where the request parameter ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress is true.
This condition denies launching instances with public IPs.
- D
Attach the SCP to the root organizational unit.
Attaching to the root OU ensures the policy applies to all accounts.
- E
Create an SCP that requires the tag 'PublicIP' to be set to 'false'.
Why wrong: SCPs can use tags but cannot enforce tagging; that is done with IAM policies or Config rules.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to attach the SCP to the root organizational unit and deny the ec2:RunInstances action when the ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress condition key is set to true. This works because Service Control Policies (SCPs) act as a centralized permission guardrail at the AWS Organizations level, allowing you to prevent EC2 instances with public IPs by evaluating the API call’s parameters before the instance is launched. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that SCPs cannot modify IAM permissions or enforce tags—they only deny or allow actions based on conditions. A common trap is confusing the condition key with ec2:PublicIp, but the correct key is ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress, which controls the public IP assignment during launch. Memory tip: think “Associate” equals “Attach” at launch—deny the association to block the public IP.
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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.
A company is using AWS Organizations to manage multiple accounts. The security team wants to prevent the creation of Amazon EC2 instances with public IP addresses in all accounts. Which TWO actions should the team take to implement this control using Service Control Policies (SCPs)?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create an SCP with a Deny effect for ec2:RunInstances where the request parameter ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress is true.
Options B and D are correct. The SCP must deny the ec2:RunInstances action when the parameter for public IP is set to true (B), and it must be attached to the root organizational unit (D) to cover all accounts. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot modify IAM permissions; they can only deny or allow actions. Option C is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce tagging; they can deny actions based on tags. Option E is wrong because the condition key for public IP is ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress.
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.
- ✗
Use the condition key 'ec2:LaunchTemplate' to deny public IPs.
Why it's wrong here
The correct condition key is ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress, not ec2:LaunchTemplate.
- ✗
Create an SCP that adds an IAM policy to deny ec2:RunInstances.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs are separate from IAM policies and cannot modify them.
- ✓
Create an SCP with a Deny effect for ec2:RunInstances where the request parameter ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress is true.
Why this is correct
This condition denies launching instances with public IPs.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Attach the SCP to the root organizational unit.
Why this is correct
Attaching to the root OU ensures the policy applies to all accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Create an SCP that requires the tag 'PublicIP' to be set to 'false'.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs can use tags but cannot enforce tagging; that is done with IAM policies or Config rules.
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 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.
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Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an SCP with a Deny effect for ec2:RunInstances where the request parameter ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress is true. — Options B and D are correct. The SCP must deny the ec2:RunInstances action when the parameter for public IP is set to true (B), and it must be attached to the root organizational unit (D) to cover all accounts. Option A is wrong because SCPs cannot modify IAM permissions; they can only deny or allow actions. Option C is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce tagging; they can deny actions based on tags. Option E is wrong because the condition key for public IP is ec2:AssociatePublicIpAddress.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.
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