The answer is to use a service control policy (SCP) that denies the iam:CreateAccessKey action unless a condition checks that the user does not already have an access key older than 90 days. This is the most efficient enforcement because SCPs operate at the AWS Organizations root or OU level, applying a preventive guardrail across all member accounts without requiring per-account configuration or reactive monitoring. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of centralized governance versus detective controls—common traps include choosing AWS Config rules (which are reactive and per-account) or CloudTrail (which only logs, not blocks). The key distinction is that SCPs deny the action before it happens, making them ideal for enforcing security policies like preventing IAM users from creating access keys older than 90 days. Memory tip: think “SCP = Stop Creation Proactively” to remember it’s a preventive, organization-wide policy.
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.
An organization uses AWS Organizations with multiple accounts. The security team wants to ensure that no IAM user in any member account can create access keys that are more than 90 days old. What is the most efficient way to enforce this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a service control policy (SCP) to deny the iam:CreateAccessKey action unless a condition is met
The most efficient way is to use a service control policy (SCP) that denies the creation of access keys if the user does not have an existing key older than 90 days, or by using a condition on the CreateAccessKey action. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because it requires per-account Config rules. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce. Option C is wrong because it is reactive, not preventive.
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.
✓
Use a service control policy (SCP) to deny the iam:CreateAccessKey action unless a condition is met
Why this is correct
SCPs can be applied at the OU level to prevent key creation across accounts.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use CloudTrail to monitor CreateAccessKey events and trigger a Lambda function to disable old keys
Why it's wrong here
This is also reactive and does not prevent creation.
✗
Use AWS Config rules in each account to detect keys older than 90 days and automatically delete them
Why it's wrong here
This is reactive and requires setup in every account.
✗
Create an IAM policy that denies CreateAccessKey if the user has any key older than 90 days
Why it's wrong here
This policy would need to be applied to all users; SCP is more efficient.
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: Use a service control policy (SCP) to deny the iam:CreateAccessKey action unless a condition is met — The most efficient way is to use a service control policy (SCP) that denies the creation of access keys if the user does not have an existing key older than 90 days, or by using a condition on the CreateAccessKey action. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because it requires per-account Config rules. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not enforce. Option C is wrong because it is reactive, not preventive.
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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