- A
The upload fails because the Deny statement explicitly denies any PutObject that does not have the ACL set to bucket-owner-full-control.
The Deny statement covers all PutObject actions where the ACL is not bucket-owner-full-control. If no ACL is specified, the condition matches (StringNotEquals), and the Deny takes effect.
- B
The upload succeeds because the bucket policy allows it.
Why wrong: The IAM policy denies PutObject when the ACL is not bucket-owner-full-control. Without an ACL, the condition evaluates to false, and the Deny applies.
- C
The upload succeeds because the Allow statement allows PutObject without condition.
Why wrong: The Allow statement has a condition requiring the ACL. Without specifying ACL, the condition fails, so the Allow does not apply.
- D
The upload fails because the bucket policy requires ACL to be bucket-owner-full-control.
Why wrong: No bucket policy is shown; the exhibit only shows IAM policy.
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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 security engineer applies the IAM policy to a user, and then successfully runs the CLI command. Later, the user attempts to upload an object without specifying the ACL. What will happen?
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
The upload fails because the Deny statement explicitly denies any PutObject that does not have the ACL set to bucket-owner-full-control.
The IAM policy explicitly denies PutObject when the ACL is not set to bucket-owner-full-control. Since the user does not specify an ACL, the condition 'StringNotEquals' evaluates to true, triggering the Deny.
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.
- ✓
The upload fails because the Deny statement explicitly denies any PutObject that does not have the ACL set to bucket-owner-full-control.
Why this is correct
The Deny statement covers all PutObject actions where the ACL is not bucket-owner-full-control. If no ACL is specified, the condition matches (StringNotEquals), and the Deny takes effect.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The upload succeeds because the bucket policy allows it.
Why it's wrong here
The IAM policy denies PutObject when the ACL is not bucket-owner-full-control. Without an ACL, the condition evaluates to false, and the Deny applies.
- ✗
The upload succeeds because the Allow statement allows PutObject without condition.
Why it's wrong here
The Allow statement has a condition requiring the ACL. Without specifying ACL, the condition fails, so the Allow does not apply.
- ✗
The upload fails because the bucket policy requires ACL to be bucket-owner-full-control.
Why it's wrong here
No bucket policy is shown; the exhibit only shows IAM policy.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No bucket policy is shown; the exhibit only shows IAM policy.
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 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.
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?
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The upload fails because the Deny statement explicitly denies any PutObject that does not have the ACL set to bucket-owner-full-control. — The IAM policy explicitly denies PutObject when the ACL is not set to bucket-owner-full-control. Since the user does not specify an ACL, the condition 'StringNotEquals' evaluates to true, triggering the Deny.
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 25, 2026
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