The answer is denied because the Deny statement matches the request. In AWS IAM policy evaluation order, an explicit Deny always overrides any Allow, regardless of the order in which the policies are evaluated. Here, the Deny statement’s condition (SecureTransport: false) triggers when the user makes a GET request using HTTP from IP 10.0.0.5, so the request is blocked even though the Allow statement permits s3:GetObject from that IP range. This question tests your understanding of the fundamental IAM rule that Deny overrides Allow, a core concept frequently appearing on the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam. A common trap is assuming a condition mismatch will save the request, but the Deny’s condition explicitly matches HTTP, making the Deny effective. Remember the mnemonic: “Deny always wins the race — if it matches, it takes the case.”
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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. An IAM policy attached to a user allows s3:GetObject only from a specific IP range and denies all S3 actions if not using HTTPS. What happens when the user makes a GET request from IP 10.0.0.5 using HTTP?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Denied because the Deny statement matches
The request is denied because the Deny statement's condition (SecureTransport: false) matches HTTP, and Deny overrides Allow. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because Deny always overrides Allow. Option B is wrong because the condition matches. Option C is wrong because the request is denied.
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.
✗
Allowed because the IP is in the range
Why it's wrong here
Deny overrides Allow.
✗
Allowed because the condition does not match
Why it's wrong here
Condition matches.
✓
Denied because the Deny statement matches
Why this is correct
Deny overrides Allow.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Denied because the IP is not in the range
Why it's wrong here
IP is in range.
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.
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: Denied because the Deny statement matches — The request is denied because the Deny statement's condition (SecureTransport: false) matches HTTP, and Deny overrides Allow. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because Deny always overrides Allow. Option B is wrong because the condition matches. Option C is wrong because the request is denied.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.