The answer is to use a bucket policy that denies requests when `aws:SecureTransport` is set to `false`. This works because the `aws:SecureTransport` condition key inspects whether the request was made over HTTPS or HTTP; by explicitly denying any request where this key is `false`, you block all unencrypted traffic and enforce encryption in transit at the bucket policy level. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to implement network-level controls without relying on client-side settings, and a common trap is confusing encryption in transit with encryption at rest (SSE) or assuming that enabling S3 default encryption covers transport security. Remember: the bucket policy acts as a bouncer—if the connection isn’t using HTTPS, it’s turned away at the door. A quick memory tip: “SecureTransport false = denied at the gate.”
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. 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.
Which THREE actions are required to enforce encryption in transit for an Amazon S3 bucket? (Choose 3.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a bucket policy that denies requests with aws:SecureTransport set to false.
Option A is correct because adding a bucket policy that denies requests with `aws:SecureTransport` set to `false` explicitly blocks any HTTP (non-HTTPS) requests to the S3 bucket. This condition key evaluates the transport protocol used for the request, and when set to deny, it ensures that only encrypted connections (HTTPS) are allowed, enforcing encryption in transit.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Add a bucket policy that denies requests with aws:SecureTransport set to false.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use HTTPS when accessing the bucket.
Why this is correct
Encrypts data in transit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable default encryption on the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Default encryption is for at rest, not in transit.
✗
Use an IAM policy to restrict access to the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Controls authorization, not encryption in transit.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse encryption in transit with encryption at rest, selecting 'Enable default encryption on the bucket' (Option D) thinking it secures data during transfer, when it only applies server-side encryption for stored objects.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `aws:SecureTransport` condition key checks whether the request was sent over SSL/TLS (HTTPS) by inspecting the `True` or `False` value of the transport security. When combined with a bucket policy `Deny` effect, it effectively blocks all HTTP traffic, which is a common requirement for compliance frameworks like PCI DSS or HIPAA that mandate encryption in transit. Note that this condition key is evaluated at the S3 API level, so even if a client uses HTTPS but the request is malformed, the policy still applies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a bucket policy that denies requests with aws:SecureTransport set to false. — Option A is correct because adding a bucket policy that denies requests with `aws:SecureTransport` set to `false` explicitly blocks any HTTP (non-HTTPS) requests to the S3 bucket. This condition key evaluates the transport protocol used for the request, and when set to deny, it ensures that only encrypted connections (HTTPS) are allowed, enforcing encryption in transit.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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