The correct answer is that the download fails because the condition is not met, even though the action is allowed. This occurs because the IAM policy uses a condition key to require s3:GetObject only when the object is encrypted with SSE-KMS; when the object lacks that encryption, the condition evaluates to false, triggering an implicit deny by default. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how condition keys in IAM policies interact with S3 encryption settings—a common trap is assuming an explicit deny is needed for the request to fail, but here the absence of the required condition is enough to block access. Remember that IAM evaluates conditions before granting access, so a failed condition equals a denied request even if the action is listed as allowed. Memory tip: “Condition fails, access derails—no explicit deny required.”
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy allows s3:GetObject on an S3 bucket only when the object is encrypted with SSE-KMS. An IAM user with this policy attempts to download an object that is not encrypted. What will happen?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The download fails because the condition is not met, even though the action is allowed.
Option D is correct because the policy grants access only when the condition is met (SSE-KMS). Since the object is not encrypted with SSE-KMS, the condition fails, and the request is denied by default (implicit deny). Option A is incorrect because the policy does not have an explicit deny. Option B is incorrect because the condition must be met. Option C is incorrect because the condition is evaluated.
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 download fails because the condition is not met, even though the action is allowed.
Why this is correct
The Allow is conditional; condition not met results in implicit deny.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The download succeeds because the condition is not required.
Why it's wrong here
The condition is required for the Allow.
✗
The download fails because the policy is invalid.
Why it's wrong here
The policy is syntactically valid.
✗
The download succeeds because there is no explicit deny.
Why it's wrong here
Implicit deny applies when condition is not met.
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 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.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The download fails because the condition is not met, even though the action is allowed. — Option D is correct because the policy grants access only when the condition is met (SSE-KMS). Since the object is not encrypted with SSE-KMS, the condition fails, and the request is denied by default (implicit deny). Option A is incorrect because the policy does not have an explicit deny. Option B is incorrect because the condition must be met. Option C is incorrect because the condition is evaluated.
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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Question Discussion
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