- A
Use an SCP to deny the s3:PutObject action unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header.
This enforces encryption for new objects across the account.
- B
Use AWS KMS to create a customer master key and assign it to the bucket.
Why wrong: Assigning a key to a bucket does not enforce encryption; you must configure the bucket to use it.
- C
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log S3 API calls.
Why wrong: Logging does not enforce encryption.
- D
Enable default encryption on the S3 bucket using SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
This ensures new objects are encrypted by default.
- E
Add a bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject if the object is not encrypted.
Why wrong: While this can prevent unencrypted uploads, it does not encrypt existing objects. But the question asks for ensuring all objects are encrypted; a bucket policy can enforce encryption for new objects. However, it is not a combination with something else? Actually, it is a valid action, but the question asks for TWO actions. Option A is valid but the combination with B is common. However, I need to pick two. Let me reconsider.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable default encryption on the S3 bucket using SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS, combined with a service control policy (SCP) to enforce encryption at rest. Default encryption ensures that any new object uploaded without explicit encryption headers is automatically encrypted by the bucket, while an SCP can deny any PutObject request that does not include the `x-amz-server-side-encryption` header, effectively blocking unencrypted uploads across the entire AWS account. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this pairing tests your understanding of how S3 encryption controls work at the bucket level versus the organizational level—a common trap is confusing bucket policies with SCPs, as bucket policies can only conditionally require encryption but cannot prevent uploads if the user already has s3:PutObject permission. Remember the mnemonic: Default for new, SCP for enforce—together they lock the door.
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 has an S3 bucket that stores sensitive data. The security team wants to ensure that all objects in the bucket are encrypted at rest. Which combination of actions should be taken? (Choose TWO.)
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
Use an SCP to deny the s3:PutObject action unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header.
Option B and D are correct. Enabling default encryption ensures new objects are encrypted. Using SCPs can enforce that objects are encrypted. Option A is wrong because bucket policies cannot directly enforce encryption at rest; they can only require it via conditions but not prevent uploads without encryption if the user has permissions. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce encryption. Option E is wrong because KMS keys do not automatically encrypt objects.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use an SCP to deny the s3:PutObject action unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header.
Why this is correct
This enforces encryption for new objects across the account.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Use AWS KMS to create a customer master key and assign it to the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Assigning a key to a bucket does not enforce encryption; you must configure the bucket to use it.
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log S3 API calls.
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not enforce encryption.
- ✓
Enable default encryption on the S3 bucket using SSE-S3 or SSE-KMS.
Why this is correct
This ensures new objects are encrypted by default.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Add a bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject if the object is not encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
While this can prevent unencrypted uploads, it does not encrypt existing objects. But the question asks for ensuring all objects are encrypted; a bucket policy can enforce encryption for new objects. However, it is not a combination with something else? Actually, it is a valid action, but the question asks for TWO actions. Option A is valid but the combination with B is common. However, I need to pick two. Let me reconsider.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an SCP to deny the s3:PutObject action unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header. — Option B and D are correct. Enabling default encryption ensures new objects are encrypted. Using SCPs can enforce that objects are encrypted. Option A is wrong because bucket policies cannot directly enforce encryption at rest; they can only require it via conditions but not prevent uploads without encryption if the user has permissions. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce encryption. Option E is wrong because KMS keys do not automatically encrypt objects.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.