- A
Create an SCP to restrict KMS key usage and enable CloudWatch Logs.
Why wrong: SCPs cannot grant permissions; they only deny.
- B
Attach an IAM policy that allows kms:Encrypt and kms:Decrypt to the roles.
Why wrong: The key policy must also allow the IAM policy to be effective.
- C
Configure the key policy to allow the root user and enable CloudTrail.
Why wrong: Allowing root user is too broad.
- D
Configure the key policy to specify the IAM roles as key users and enable CloudTrail.
Key policy grants permissions directly, CloudTrail logs usage.
Question 508 of 1,748
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.
A company uses AWS KMS to encrypt sensitive data. The security team wants to ensure that KMS keys can only be used by specific IAM roles and that key usage is logged. Which combination of actions should the team take? (Choose the best answer.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Configure the key policy to specify the IAM roles as key users and enable CloudTrail.
Option D is correct because key policies define who can use the key, and CloudTrail logs all KMS API calls. Option A is wrong because an SCP can only deny, not grant permissions. Option B is wrong because IAM policies alone are not enough; the key policy must allow IAM access. Option C is wrong because the key policy must specify the IAM roles.
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 an SCP to restrict KMS key usage and enable CloudWatch Logs.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot grant permissions; they only deny.
- ✗
Attach an IAM policy that allows kms:Encrypt and kms:Decrypt to the roles.
Why it's wrong here
The key policy must also allow the IAM policy to be effective.
- ✗
Configure the key policy to allow the root user and enable CloudTrail.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing root user is too broad.
- ✓
Configure the key policy to specify the IAM roles as key users and enable CloudTrail.
Why this is correct
Key policy grants permissions directly, CloudTrail logs usage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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.
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Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
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: Configure the key policy to specify the IAM roles as key users and enable CloudTrail. — Option D is correct because key policies define who can use the key, and CloudTrail logs all KMS API calls. Option A is wrong because an SCP can only deny, not grant permissions. Option B is wrong because IAM policies alone are not enough; the key policy must allow IAM access. Option C is wrong because the key policy must specify the IAM roles.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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