The correct answer is to launch the instance in us-east-1. This is because the attached IAM policy uses a Condition block with the ec2:Region key set to 'us-east-1', which explicitly restricts the ec2:RunInstances action to that single region; any attempt to launch an EC2 instance in us-west-2 will be denied by default since the condition is not satisfied. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how AWS IAM policy region restrictions enforce compliance and how explicit deny logic overrides any implicit allow—a common trap is assuming you can override the policy by modifying the instance settings or using a different account. Remember the memory tip: "Region lock is a hard stop—if the condition fails, the launch drops."
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator in us-west-2 tries to launch an instance. The policy allows only us-east-1. What should the administrator do to successfully launch the instance?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Launch the instance in us-east-1
Option A is correct because the IAM policy explicitly restricts the ec2:RunInstances action to the us-east-1 region using a Condition block with ec2:Region set to 'us-east-1'. Since the administrator is attempting to launch the instance in us-west-2, the only way to comply with the policy is to launch in us-east-1. AWS IAM policies are evaluated based on the principal, action, resource, and condition; if any condition is not met, the request is denied by default.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Launch the instance in us-east-1
Why this is correct
Complies with the policy condition.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Modify the resource ARN to include us-west-2
Why it's wrong here
The condition still requires us-east-1.
✗
Change the policy to allow all regions
Why it's wrong here
Not the best course; violates the condition intent.
✗
Remove the condition from the policy
Why it's wrong here
Would change policy but may be against security requirements.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that modifying the resource ARN or removing the condition is the solution, when in fact the condition key is the binding constraint that must be satisfied by choosing the correct region.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IAM policies use the Condition element to enforce fine-grained access control; the ec2:Region condition key is a global condition key that matches the AWS region name (e.g., us-east-1). When evaluating a request, AWS checks all conditions; if any condition fails, the request is denied with an explicit deny. In real-world scenarios, organizations use region conditions to enforce data sovereignty or compliance requirements, such as GDPR, ensuring resources are only created in approved geographic locations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Launch the instance in us-east-1 — Option A is correct because the IAM policy explicitly restricts the ec2:RunInstances action to the us-east-1 region using a Condition block with ec2:Region set to 'us-east-1'. Since the administrator is attempting to launch the instance in us-west-2, the only way to comply with the policy is to launch in us-east-1. AWS IAM policies are evaluated based on the principal, action, resource, and condition; if any condition is not met, the request is denied by default.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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