SCS-C02 Threat Detection and Incident Response Practice Question
Which TWO actions are best practices for securing an AWS account's root user? (Choose 2.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think sharing the root password with the team (Option A) is a valid emergency access strategy, but AWS explicitly recommends using IAM roles with a break-glass process (e.g., AWS Systems Manager Incident Manager) instead, as shared passwords create auditability and credential rotation issues.
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
✓
Use a strong password and store it securely
The root user has unrestricted access to all AWS resources and services, so a strong, complex password (e.g., at least 14 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols) is essential to prevent brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks. Storing this password securely—such as in a password manager with restricted access or a physical safe—ensures it is available only to authorized personnel for emergency break-glass scenarios, aligning with the principle of least privilege and the AWS Well-Architected Framework's security pillar.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Share the root user password with the team for emergency access
Why it's wrong here
Sharing credentials is insecure.
- ✓
Use a strong password and store it securely
Why this is correct
Strong password is a basic security measure.
- ✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user
Why this is correct
MFA adds an extra layer of security.
- ✗
Use the root user for daily administrative tasks
Why it's wrong here
Root user should not be used for daily tasks.
- ✗
Create access keys for the root user for programmatic access
Why it's wrong here
Access keys for root user are not recommended.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.