- A
Create an alias for the key.
Why wrong: Aliases are just pointers and do not prevent deletion.
- B
Enable automatic key rotation.
Why wrong: Key rotation does not prevent deletion; it only rotates the backing key.
- C
Add a statement to the key policy that denies the kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion action.
A key policy can explicitly deny the ability to schedule deletion, preventing accidental deletion.
- D
Use a multi-Region key.
Why wrong: Multi-Region keys do not prevent deletion.
Question 1,599 of 1,748
How to Prevent Accidental Deletion of AWS KMS Keys
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. 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 uses AWS KMS to encrypt data in Amazon RDS. The security team needs to ensure that the KMS key cannot be deleted accidentally. Which action should be taken?
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
✓
Add a statement to the key policy that denies the kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion action.
To prevent accidental deletion of an AWS KMS key, you can add a statement to the key policy that denies the `kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion` action. This ensures that even authorized users cannot schedule the key for deletion. Option C is correct because it directly addresses the requirement by denying the action that initiates deletion. Options A and B do not prevent deletion; creating an alias or enabling automatic key rotation have no effect on deletion prevention. Option D, using a multi-Region key, does not prevent deletion of the primary key. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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.
- ✗
Create an alias for the key.
Why it's wrong here
Aliases are just pointers and do not prevent deletion.
- ✗
Enable automatic key rotation.
Why it's wrong here
Key rotation does not prevent deletion; it only rotates the backing key.
- ✓
Add a statement to the key policy that denies the kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion action.
Why this is correct
A key policy can explicitly deny the ability to schedule deletion, preventing accidental deletion.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use a multi-Region key.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-Region keys do not prevent deletion.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. 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. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a statement to the key policy that denies the kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion action. — To prevent accidental deletion of an AWS KMS key, you can add a statement to the key policy that denies the `kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion` action. This ensures that even authorized users cannot schedule the key for deletion. Option C is correct because it directly addresses the requirement by denying the action that initiates deletion. Options A and B do not prevent deletion; creating an alias or enabling automatic key rotation have no effect on deletion prevention. Option D, using a multi-Region key, does not prevent deletion of the primary key. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on SCS-C02
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company uses AWS KMS to encrypt data in Amazon Redshift. The security team needs to ensure that the KMS key cannot be deleted accidentally. What should be done?
medium- A.Attach a key policy that denies deletion
- ✓ B.Set a deletion window of at least 7 days
- C.Disable the KMS key
- D.Enable automatic key rotation
Why B: Setting a deletion window of at least 7 days ensures that when a deletion request is made, the key is not immediately deleted but is scheduled for deletion after the window expires, providing a safety period to cancel the deletion. Option A is incorrect because a key policy can deny deletion actions, but the easiest and recommended way to prevent accidental deletion is to use a deletion window. Option C is incorrect because disabling the key does not prevent deletion; it merely prevents the key from being used. Option D is incorrect because automatic key rotation does not affect deletion prevention.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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