The correct answer is that the request is denied because HTTP is used. This outcome hinges on the `aws:SecureTransport` condition in the S3 bucket policy, which evaluates to `false` when a request arrives over HTTP instead of HTTPS. The first statement explicitly denies all S3 actions when `aws:SecureTransport` is `false`, so any HTTP request—regardless of the IP address—is blocked. The second statement allows `GetObject` from IP 203.0.113.10, but because AWS IAM policy evaluation logic gives explicit deny statements precedence over allow statements, the deny overrides the IP-based allow. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of policy evaluation precedence and the use of condition keys to enforce encryption in transit. A common trap is assuming an allow statement for a specific IP will bypass a broader deny; remember that a deny always wins. Memory tip: “Deny is the final word—once denied, no allow is heard.”
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. A security engineer attaches this bucket policy to an S3 bucket. A user from IP address 203.0.113.10 tries to download an object using HTTP (not 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
✓
The request is denied because HTTP is used.
Option D is correct because the first statement denies all S3 actions when HTTPS is not used. Since the request uses HTTP, the condition aws:SecureTransport is false, so the request is denied. The second statement allows GetObject from the specified IP, but the deny statement takes precedence. Option A is wrong because the deny applies. Option B is wrong because the deny overrides the allow. Option C is wrong because the condition is evaluated correctly.
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.
✗
The request is allowed because the IP address matches the allow statement.
Why it's wrong here
The deny statement explicitly denies non-HTTPS requests.
✗
The request is denied because the IP is not in the allowed range.
Why it's wrong here
The IP is in the allowed range, but HTTPS is not used.
The request is allowed because the user is using a valid IP.
Why it's wrong here
Deny statements take precedence over allow.
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: The request is denied because HTTP is used. — Option D is correct because the first statement denies all S3 actions when HTTPS is not used. Since the request uses HTTP, the condition aws:SecureTransport is false, so the request is denied. The second statement allows GetObject from the specified IP, but the deny statement takes precedence. Option A is wrong because the deny applies. Option B is wrong because the deny overrides the allow. Option C is wrong because the condition is evaluated correctly.
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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