- A
Use the root user for everyday administrative tasks.
Why wrong: Root user should be used sparingly.
- B
Create access keys for the root user.
Why wrong: Access keys for root user are not recommended.
- C
Delete the root user to prevent unauthorized access.
Why wrong: Root user cannot be deleted.
- D
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it instead of the root user.
Reduces exposure of root user credentials.
- E
Enable MFA on the root user.
Adds strong authentication.
Question 103 of 1,748
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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.
Which TWO actions are best practices for securing an AWS account root user? (Select TWO.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it instead of the root user.
The correct answers are D and E. Creating an IAM user with administrative privileges and using it for everyday tasks reduces the need to use the root user, minimizing exposure of root credentials. Enabling MFA on the root user adds an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain full control. Option A is incorrect because using the root user for everyday tasks increases risk; root access should be restricted to essential account-level actions. Option B is incorrect because access keys for the root user provide long-term credentials that, if compromised, grant unrestricted access; they should not be created. Option C is incorrect because the root user cannot be deleted; it is required for account management and billing.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 the root user for everyday administrative tasks.
Why it's wrong here
Root user should be used sparingly.
- ✗
Create access keys for the root user.
Why it's wrong here
Access keys for root user are not recommended.
- ✗
Delete the root user to prevent unauthorized access.
Why it's wrong here
Root user cannot be deleted.
- ✓
Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it instead of the root user.
Why this is correct
Reduces exposure of root user credentials.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable MFA on the root user.
Why this is correct
Adds strong authentication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Management and Security Governance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Management and Security Governance — This question tests Management and Security Governance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an IAM user with administrative privileges and use it instead of the root user. — The correct answers are D and E. Creating an IAM user with administrative privileges and using it for everyday tasks reduces the need to use the root user, minimizing exposure of root credentials. Enabling MFA on the root user adds an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain full control. Option A is incorrect because using the root user for everyday tasks increases risk; root access should be restricted to essential account-level actions. Option B is incorrect because access keys for the root user provide long-term credentials that, if compromised, grant unrestricted access; they should not be created. Option C is incorrect because the root user cannot be deleted; it is required for account management and billing.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SCS-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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