The answer is the IAM role specified in the DeliverLogsPermissionArn lacks permissions to PutLogEvents. Even when VPC Flow Logs show an ACTIVE status, the flow log service requires that the associated IAM role has the `logs:PutLogEvents` and `logs:CreateLogStream` actions granted to successfully deliver log data to the CloudWatch log group. Without these permissions, the flow log remains active but silently fails to write any records, resulting in no data appearing. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the IAM role trust policy and permissions boundary—a common trap is assuming an ACTIVE status guarantees log delivery. Remember the mnemonic: “Active status, no logs? Check the role’s PutLogEvents.”
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer runs the command above and sees that the flow log status is ACTIVE. However, the engineer notices that no logs are appearing in the CloudWatch log group. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The IAM role specified in DeliverLogsPermissionArn does not have permissions to PutLogEvents.
Option B is correct. If the flow logs are ACTIVE but no logs appear, the IAM role may not have sufficient permissions to publish logs to CloudWatch Logs. Option A is incorrect because the flow log is attached to an ENI, not a subnet. Option C is incorrect because the flow log can capture all traffic, but that would generate logs, not prevent them. Option D is incorrect because flow logs do not require encryption.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 TrafficType is set to ALL, which captures too much data and causes throttling.
Why it's wrong here
ALL is valid and should generate logs; throttling would be unlikely.
✓
The IAM role specified in DeliverLogsPermissionArn does not have permissions to PutLogEvents.
Why this is correct
Without proper permissions, logs cannot be delivered.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The flow log is attached to an ENI instead of a subnet.
Why it's wrong here
Flow logs can be attached to ENIs, subnets, or VPCs; all work.
✗
The flow log destination is set to CloudWatch Logs but the log group is encrypted with KMS.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not prevent log delivery.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The IAM role specified in DeliverLogsPermissionArn does not have permissions to PutLogEvents. — Option B is correct. If the flow logs are ACTIVE but no logs appear, the IAM role may not have sufficient permissions to publish logs to CloudWatch Logs. Option A is incorrect because the flow log is attached to an ENI, not a subnet. Option C is incorrect because the flow log can capture all traffic, but that would generate logs, not prevent them. Option D is incorrect because flow logs do not require encryption.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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