- A
Create a service control policy that allows only the use of specific security groups.
Why wrong: SCPs are for account-wide, not role-specific. Also, they cannot enforce that a security group is specified.
- B
Use an SCP to deny launching instances without a security group.
Why wrong: SCPs apply to accounts, not to specific roles. Also, if no security group is specified, the default VPC security group is used, so it's never 'without'.
- C
Add a condition in the IAM policy that requires the ec2:SecurityGroup parameter to have a specific value.
For example, using 'aws:RequestTag/securitygroup' or 'ec2:SecurityGroup' condition keys.
- D
Configure the VPC to have no default security group.
Why wrong: Even without a default, if no security group is specified, the instance fails to launch? Actually, you must specify a security group; if none, the default is used. Removing default would cause launch failures if none specified, but you cannot remove the default security group.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to add a condition in the IAM policy that requires the ec2:SecurityGroup parameter to have a specific value. This works because the IAM condition key ec2:SecurityGroup allows you to enforce that a particular security group ID must be present in the RunInstances API call, effectively blocking any launch attempt that omits the parameter or uses a non-approved group. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of IAM policy conditions for resource-level controls, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly think the default VPC security group provides enforcement—it does not, because it is automatically attached when none is specified, allowing developers to bypass the requirement. A common memory tip is to remember that “default is not enforced”; you must explicitly require the security group using a condition, just as you would require an instance type. Think of it as a bouncer checking a specific ID at the door—without that condition, any group (or none) gets in.
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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.
A company wants to provide its developers with IAM roles that allow them to launch EC2 instances with specific security groups. The security team wants to ensure that developers cannot launch instances without a security group. How can this be enforced?
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
Add a condition in the IAM policy that requires the ec2:SecurityGroup parameter to have a specific value.
Option C is correct because you can use a condition in the IAM policy to require the security group. Option A is wrong because default security group is always attached if none specified, so that doesn't enforce. Option B is wrong because that is the default behavior, but developers can still launch without specifying a security group. Option D is wrong because that would allow any security group.
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.
- ✗
Create a service control policy that allows only the use of specific security groups.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs are for account-wide, not role-specific. Also, they cannot enforce that a security group is specified.
- ✗
Use an SCP to deny launching instances without a security group.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs apply to accounts, not to specific roles. Also, if no security group is specified, the default VPC security group is used, so it's never 'without'.
- ✓
Add a condition in the IAM policy that requires the ec2:SecurityGroup parameter to have a specific value.
Why this is correct
For example, using 'aws:RequestTag/securitygroup' or 'ec2:SecurityGroup' condition keys.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Configure the VPC to have no default security group.
Why it's wrong here
Even without a default, if no security group is specified, the instance fails to launch? Actually, you must specify a security group; if none, the default is used. Removing default would cause launch failures if none specified, but you cannot remove the default security group.
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 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 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.
- →
Infrastructure Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Infrastructure Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SCS-C02 questions
1,738 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SCS-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SCS-C02 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Threat Detection and Incident Response practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Threat Detection and Incident Response.
Security Logging and Monitoring practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Security Logging and Monitoring.
Identity and Access Management practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Identity and Access Management.
Management and Security Governance practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Management and Security Governance.
Infrastructure Security practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Infrastructure Security.
Data Protection practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to Data Protection.
SCS-C02 fundamentals practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to SCS-C02 fundamentals.
SCS-C02 scenario practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to SCS-C02 scenario.
SCS-C02 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SCS-C02 questions linked to SCS-C02 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SCS-C02 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Add a condition in the IAM policy that requires the ec2:SecurityGroup parameter to have a specific value. — Option C is correct because you can use a condition in the IAM policy to require the security group. Option A is wrong because default security group is always attached if none specified, so that doesn't enforce. Option B is wrong because that is the default behavior, but developers can still launch without specifying a security group. Option D is wrong because that would allow any security group.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.