The answer is no, the request will fail because the S3 GetObject encryption condition is not satisfied. This occurs because the IAM policy includes a condition key requiring the `x-amz-server-side-encryption` header to be present with the value `AES256`; when the user omits that header in the CLI command, the Allow effect does not apply, leaving only the default implicit Deny to block the request. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how condition keys in S3 policies enforce encryption at the request level, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume a missing explicit Deny means success. A common memory tip is to remember that an Allow with a condition is not a blanket permission—it is a locked door that requires the correct key. Think of it as "No header, no access": if the encryption header is missing, the condition fails, and the implicit Deny takes over.
SCS-C02 Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. IAM policy:
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*",
"Condition": {
"StringEquals": {
"s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption": "AES256"
}
}
}
]
}
Refer to the exhibit. A user has this IAM policy attached. They attempt to download an object from example-bucket using the AWS CLI without specifying server-side encryption. Will the request succeed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
No, because the condition is not satisfied.
Option B is correct. The condition requires that the request includes the header x-amz-server-side-encryption with value AES256. Without that header, the condition is not met, so the Allow does not apply. There is no explicit Deny, but since the Allow does not apply, the default implicit Deny takes effect, and the request fails.
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.
✗
Yes, because the bucket policy may override the condition.
Why it's wrong here
Bucket policy is separate; this IAM policy controls user permissions.
✓
No, because the condition is not satisfied.
Why this is correct
The request lacks the required encryption header, so the Allow does not apply and the request is denied by default.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
No, because S3 requires encryption for all requests.
Why it's wrong here
S3 does not require encryption by default.
✗
Yes, because the Allow statement grants s3:GetObject.
Why it's wrong here
The condition must be satisfied for the Allow to apply.
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.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: No, because the condition is not satisfied. — Option B is correct. The condition requires that the request includes the header x-amz-server-side-encryption with value AES256. Without that header, the condition is not met, so the Allow does not apply. There is no explicit Deny, but since the Allow does not apply, the default implicit Deny takes effect, and the request fails.
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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