The correct answer is to attach a service control policy (SCP) to the root organizational unit that denies the service actions, and to apply IAM policies in each member account that deny those same actions. SCPs work at the AWS Organizations level to set permission guardrails across all accounts, effectively restricting AWS services by blocking API calls at the root, OU, or account level, while IAM policies enforce restrictions within each account for users and roles. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between preventive controls (SCPs and IAM) and detective controls (AWS Config). A common trap is confusing AWS Config rules, which only detect noncompliant resources, with SCPs that actively deny access. Remember the memory tip: SCPs are the "bouncer at the organization door," while IAM policies are the "bouncer inside each account"—both must work together to consistently restrict AWS services across accounts.
SOA-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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.
A company uses AWS Organizations and wants to restrict the use of specific AWS services across all member accounts. Which TWO methods can be used to enforce these restrictions? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create IAM policies in each account that deny the service actions and attach them to all IAM users and roles.
Option A is correct because SCPs can deny access to services at the organization level. Option C is correct because IAM policies in each account can deny actions, but they need to be applied consistently. Option B is wrong because AWS Config rules can detect but not enforce restrictions. Option D is wrong because AWS Service Catalog provisions services, it does not restrict them. Option E is wrong because VPC endpoints are for network connectivity, not service restrictions.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Create IAM policies in each account that deny the service actions and attach them to all IAM users and roles.
Why this is correct
IAM policies can deny actions, but must be applied universally.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to automatically disable non-compliant services.
Why it's wrong here
Config rules can detect but not disable services.
✗
Use AWS Service Catalog to block the use of disallowed services.
Why it's wrong here
Service Catalog is for provisioning, not blocking.
✓
Attach a service control policy to the root organizational unit that denies the service actions.
Why this is correct
SCPs restrict permissions across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Configure VPC endpoints to block traffic to the disallowed services.
Why it's wrong here
VPC endpoints are for connectivity, not API access control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SOA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create IAM policies in each account that deny the service actions and attach them to all IAM users and roles. — Option A is correct because SCPs can deny access to services at the organization level. Option C is correct because IAM policies in each account can deny actions, but they need to be applied consistently. Option B is wrong because AWS Config rules can detect but not enforce restrictions. Option D is wrong because AWS Service Catalog provisions services, it does not restrict them. Option E is wrong because VPC endpoints are for network connectivity, not service restrictions.
What should I do if I get this SOA-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SOA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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