The answer is that the flow log was created at the VPC level, not at the subnet level. This is the most likely reason because when you create a flow log for a subnet, the resource ID in the output will reflect that subnet’s ID, but if the flow log is attached to the entire VPC, every subnet within that VPC inherits the VPC’s resource ID in the logs. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of how flow log scope works—a common trap is assuming that filtering by a log group name or checking the subnet’s traffic automatically means the flow log is subnet-level. Remember, the flow log resource ID always matches the resource you selected at creation, so if you see a VPC ID instead of a subnet ID, the flow log was scoped to the VPC. Memory tip: “VPC logs show VPC IDs—subnet logs show subnet IDs.”
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer runs the CLI command and receives the output shown. The engineer expects to see flow logs for a specific subnet, but the output shows the resource ID as a VPC. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The flow log was created at the VPC level, not at the subnet level.
Option A is correct because the filter is by log group name, and the flow log created is for the entire VPC, not a subnet. The engineer may have created the flow log at the VPC level. Option B is wrong because the CLI command shows the flow log status as ACTIVE. Option C is wrong because the role is valid. Option D is wrong because the flow log is delivering to CloudWatch Logs, which is a valid destination.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 flow log is not active; it shows ACTIVE, so that's not the issue.
Why it's wrong here
The status is ACTIVE, so it is active.
✗
The flow log is configured to deliver to CloudWatch, but the log group name is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The log group name matches the filter.
✗
The IAM role does not have permissions to deliver logs for subnets.
Why it's wrong here
The role is used for VPC flow logs; subnet flow logs require the same role.
✓
The flow log was created at the VPC level, not at the subnet level.
Why this is correct
The resource ID in the output is the VPC ID, indicating the flow log is for the VPC.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The flow log was created at the VPC level, not at the subnet level. — Option A is correct because the filter is by log group name, and the flow log created is for the entire VPC, not a subnet. The engineer may have created the flow log at the VPC level. Option B is wrong because the CLI command shows the flow log status as ACTIVE. Option C is wrong because the role is valid. Option D is wrong because the flow log is delivering to CloudWatch Logs, which is a valid destination.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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