The correct answer is that this S3 bucket policy denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS. The policy uses a condition block with `aws:SecureTransport` set to `false`, which triggers a Deny effect for any upload attempt made over plain HTTP instead of HTTPS. This is a common way to enforce HTTPS for uploads, ensuring data in transit is encrypted between the client and AWS. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of S3 bucket policy condition keys and how to restrict transport security without requiring server-side encryption at rest. A frequent trap is confusing `SecureTransport` with encryption of the object itself—this policy does not enforce SSE or KMS, only the protocol used to send the request. Remember the memory tip: “SecureTransport false = Deny the upload; true = allow it through.”
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 applies this S3 bucket policy to an S3 bucket. The bucket contains sensitive data. What is the effect of this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS.
The policy denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS (SecureTransport false). So it enforces HTTPS for uploads. Option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because it does not deny all PutObject. Option C is incorrect because it does not enforce encryption. Option D is incorrect because it does not allow anonymous uploads.
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.
✗
It allows anonymous users to upload objects.
Why it's wrong here
The effect is Deny, not Allow.
✓
It denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS.
Why this is correct
The condition checks for SecureTransport false, so only non-HTTPS requests are denied.
It enforces that all objects must be encrypted at rest.
Why it's wrong here
The policy does not mention encryption.
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: It denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS. — The policy denies PutObject requests that are not using HTTPS (SecureTransport false). So it enforces HTTPS for uploads. Option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because it does not deny all PutObject. Option C is incorrect because it does not enforce encryption. Option D is incorrect because it does not allow anonymous uploads.
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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