The correct answer is to enable MFA on the root user and create an IAM admin user for daily tasks. Enabling multi-factor authentication on the root account adds a critical second layer of defense against unauthorized access, while delegating administrative work to an IAM user with administrative privileges ensures the root credentials are rarely used, minimizing exposure. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the principle of least privilege and the specific AWS recommendation to never use the root user for routine operations. A common trap is assuming the root user should have access keys for programmatic access, but AWS explicitly prohibits this because access keys are long-term credentials that cannot be rotated easily. Another trap is thinking the root user email should be secured as a best practice for the root user itself, but that is an account-level security measure, not a direct root user action. Memory tip: think "MFA and IAM" — lock the root with MFA, then hand off the keys to an IAM admin.
SCS-C02 Management and Security Governance Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of management and security governance. 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 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 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.
Options A and D are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user adds an extra layer of security. Creating an IAM admin user and using it for daily tasks reduces root user usage. Option B is wrong because the root user should not be used for daily tasks. Option C is wrong because access keys should not be created for the root user; they are long-term credentials. Option E is wrong because the root user email should be monitored, but that is not a best practice for securing the root user itself.
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 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 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.
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. — Options A and D are correct. Enabling MFA on the root user adds an extra layer of security. Creating an IAM admin user and using it for daily tasks reduces root user usage. Option B is wrong because the root user should not be used for daily tasks. Option C is wrong because access keys should not be created for the root user; they are long-term credentials. Option E is wrong because the root user email should be monitored, but that is not a best practice for securing the root user itself.
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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