SOA-C02 Reliability and Business Continuity Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"ec2:Describe*",
"ec2:StartInstances",
"ec2:StopInstances"
],
"Resource": "*"
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "ec2:TerminateInstances",
"Resource": "arn:aws:ec2:us-east-1:123456789012:instance/*"
}
]
}Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to an IAM user. Which action can the user perform?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the ec2:StopInstances action with ec2:TerminateInstances, as both involve changing instance state, but only StopInstances is granted in the policy.
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
✓
Stop an EC2 instance.
The IAM policy grants the ec2:StopInstances action, which allows the user to stop EC2 instances. The condition restricts the action to instances with a specific tag, but the core permission is for stopping instances, making option C correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Start an EC2 instance.
Why it's wrong here
The user can start instances, but the question asks which action is allowed; all listed actions except terminate are allowed.
- ✗
Describe EC2 instances.
Why it's wrong here
Describe* is allowed, but the question asks for a specific action; stop is also allowed.
- ✓
Stop an EC2 instance.
Why this is correct
StopInstances is explicitly allowed and not denied.
- ✗
Terminate an EC2 instance.
Why it's wrong here
TerminateInstances is explicitly denied.
Go deeper
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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