- A
Delete the root user from all accounts.
Why wrong: Root user cannot be deleted.
- B
Use AWS Config rules to detect root user activity.
Why wrong: Config is detective, not preventive.
- C
Create an IAM role that prevents root user actions.
Why wrong: IAM roles cannot restrict root user.
- D
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user.
SCP can deny root user actions across accounts.
- E
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user.
MFA adds an extra layer of security for root user.
Question 1,234 of 1,748
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 ensure that no root user credentials are used for any account. Which TWO actions should be taken to enforce this?
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 a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user.
Option D is correct because a service control policy (SCP) can be applied to the root organizational unit to deny all actions for the root user, effectively preventing any use of the root user credentials. Option E is correct because enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user adds a layer of security, making it more difficult to compromise the root account even if credentials are known. Option A is incorrect because the root user cannot be deleted; it is a permanent account for an AWS organization. Option B is incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect root user activity but cannot prevent it; detection is not enforcement. Option C is incorrect because IAM roles cannot restrict the root user; the root user is not subject to IAM policies.
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.
- ✗
Delete the root user from all accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Root user cannot be deleted.
- ✗
Use AWS Config rules to detect root user activity.
Why it's wrong here
Config is detective, not preventive.
- ✗
Create an IAM role that prevents root user actions.
Why it's wrong here
IAM roles cannot restrict root user.
- ✓
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user.
Why this is correct
SCP can deny root user actions across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user.
Why this is correct
MFA adds an extra layer of security for root user.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 a service control policy (SCP) that denies all actions for the root user. — Option D is correct because a service control policy (SCP) can be applied to the root organizational unit to deny all actions for the root user, effectively preventing any use of the root user credentials. Option E is correct because enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user adds a layer of security, making it more difficult to compromise the root account even if credentials are known. Option A is incorrect because the root user cannot be deleted; it is a permanent account for an AWS organization. Option B is incorrect because AWS Config rules can detect root user activity but cannot prevent it; detection is not enforcement. Option C is incorrect because IAM roles cannot restrict the root user; the root user is not subject to IAM policies.
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
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