The answer is yes, the encryption will succeed because both the KMS key policy and the IAM policy grant the necessary permission. In AWS KMS, when a principal is in the same account as the CMK, the effective permissions are the union of the key policy and any applicable IAM policies—meaning if either policy allows the action, access is granted. This scenario tests a core concept for the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam: understanding how KMS key policies and IAM policies interact for cross-account vs. same-account access. A common trap is assuming a key policy must explicitly call out every IAM permission, but in the same account, an IAM policy alone is sufficient if the key policy grants access to the account’s IAM principals (e.g., via a root ARN). For memory, remember the “same-account union” rule: key policy OR IAM policy allows = access allowed; cross-account requires both.
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A KMS key policy is shown. An IAM role named 'DataProcessor' in account 123456789012 is trying to encrypt data using this key. The role also has an IAM policy that allows kms:Encrypt on the key. Will the encryption succeed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Yes, because the key policy allows the role and the IAM policy also allows
Option A is correct because the key policy allows the role to encrypt, and the IAM policy also allows. Option B is wrong because the key policy does not require additional conditions. Option C is wrong because the role is in the same account, and the key policy allows it. Option D is wrong because the key policy is sufficient.
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.
✗
Yes, because the IAM policy alone is sufficient
Why it's wrong here
IAM policy alone is not sufficient if the key policy denies.
✓
Yes, because the key policy allows the role and the IAM policy also allows
Why this is correct
Both policies grant permission.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
No, because the key policy must include a condition for the role
Why it's wrong here
No condition is needed.
✗
No, because the role is in a different account
Why it's wrong here
The role is in the same account as the key.
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: Yes, because the key policy allows the role and the IAM policy also allows — Option A is correct because the key policy allows the role to encrypt, and the IAM policy also allows. Option B is wrong because the key policy does not require additional conditions. Option C is wrong because the role is in the same account, and the key policy allows it. Option D is wrong because the key policy is sufficient.
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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