The answer is denied because no explicit allow matches the request. In AWS S3 bucket policy evaluation, an explicit allow is required for access to be granted; if no allow statement applies, the result is an implicit deny, even if a deny statement’s condition is not triggered. Here, the Allow statement restricts access to the IP range 203.0.113.0/24, but the user’s IP is 198.51.100.5, so the allow does not apply. The Deny statement only activates when `aws:SecureTransport` is false, but the request uses HTTPS, so the deny condition is not met. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how S3 bucket policy allow vs deny evaluation works with IP and HTTPS conditions—a common trap is assuming a deny with an unmet condition still blocks access, when in fact only an explicit deny or an unmet allow leads to denial. Remember the memory tip: “Allow must match, deny must trigger; if neither hits, implicit deny wins.”
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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. The bucket policy allows access from a specific IP range and denies access over HTTP. A user from IP 198.51.100.5 makes a GET request over HTTPS. 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
✓
Denied because no explicit allow matches the request.
Option C is correct because the Allow statement requires the source IP to be in 203.0.113.0/24, but the user's IP is 198.51.100.5, so the Allow does not apply. The Deny statement only applies if aws:SecureTransport is false, but the request uses HTTPS, so Deny does not apply. The result is implicit deny (no explicit allow), so access is denied. Option A is wrong because the condition is not met. Option B is wrong because the Deny condition is not triggered. Option D is wrong because explicit deny would apply if the condition matched.
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.
✗
Denied because of the explicit Deny statement.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny condition is not triggered as the request uses HTTPS.
✗
Allowed because the request is over HTTPS.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS is not sufficient; the IP condition must also be met.
✗
Allowed because the Deny condition is not satisfied.
Why it's wrong here
The Allow condition is not satisfied, so no explicit allow.
✓
Denied because no explicit allow matches the request.
Why this is correct
The Allow requires a specific IP, which is not met, resulting in implicit deny.
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 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.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Denied because no explicit allow matches the request. — Option C is correct because the Allow statement requires the source IP to be in 203.0.113.0/24, but the user's IP is 198.51.100.5, so the Allow does not apply. The Deny statement only applies if aws:SecureTransport is false, but the request uses HTTPS, so Deny does not apply. The result is implicit deny (no explicit allow), so access is denied. Option A is wrong because the condition is not met. Option B is wrong because the Deny condition is not triggered. Option D is wrong because explicit deny would apply if the condition matched.
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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