- A
Attach service accounts to instances using the gcloud compute instances set-service-account command after creation.
Why wrong: While possible, it is better to assign the service account at instance creation to avoid permissions issues.
- B
Use the default compute service account and restrict its scopes.
Why wrong: The default service account often has broad permissions, and scopes are deprecated.
- C
Use Access Transparency to audit service account usage.
Why wrong: Access Transparency is for monitoring Google personnel access, not for permission management.
- D
Create custom service accounts with only the needed roles.
Custom service accounts allow fine-grained permissions.
- E
Disable service account key creation for service accounts.
Disabling key creation prevents long-lived keys that could be compromised.
Minimal Permissions for Compute Engine Service Accounts
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of pcse exam topics. 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 wants to ensure that all service accounts used by Compute Engine instances have the minimal permissions required. Which TWO practices should be implemented? (Choose 2)
Quick Answer
The answer is to create custom service accounts with only the needed roles and to disable service account key creation for service accounts. These two practices enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring each Compute Engine instance runs under a dedicated identity scoped to its specific tasks, while disabling key creation eliminates the risk of long-lived, exposed credentials that could be compromised. On the Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam, this question tests your understanding of identity and access management fundamentals, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose the default compute service account or confuse Access Transparency with permission control. A common memory tip is to remember that default service accounts are like skeleton keys—they open too many doors—so always craft a custom one and lock away the key-making ability.
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
Create custom service accounts with only the needed roles.
Options D and E are correct. Creating custom service accounts with only the needed roles (D) ensures minimal permissions by following the principle of least privilege. Disabling service account key creation (E) reduces the risk of key exposure and is a security best practice. Option A is incorrect because attaching a service account after instance creation is possible but not a best practice for minimal permissions; the service account should be assigned at creation. Option B is incorrect because the default compute service account often has excessive permissions and restricting scopes is not as secure as using a custom service account. Option C is incorrect because Access Transparency is for auditing Google support access, not for managing service account permissions.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Attach service accounts to instances using the gcloud compute instances set-service-account command after creation.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is better to assign the service account at instance creation to avoid permissions issues.
- ✗
Use the default compute service account and restrict its scopes.
Why it's wrong here
The default service account often has broad permissions, and scopes are deprecated.
- ✗
Use Access Transparency to audit service account usage.
Why it's wrong here
Access Transparency is for monitoring Google personnel access, not for permission management.
- ✓
Create custom service accounts with only the needed roles.
Why this is correct
Custom service accounts allow fine-grained permissions.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Disable service account key creation for service accounts.
Why this is correct
Disabling key creation prevents long-lived keys that could be compromised.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create custom service accounts with only the needed roles. — Options D and E are correct. Creating custom service accounts with only the needed roles (D) ensures minimal permissions by following the principle of least privilege. Disabling service account key creation (E) reduces the risk of key exposure and is a security best practice. Option A is incorrect because attaching a service account after instance creation is possible but not a best practice for minimal permissions; the service account should be assigned at creation. Option B is incorrect because the default compute service account often has excessive permissions and restricting scopes is not as secure as using a custom service account. Option C is incorrect because Access Transparency is for auditing Google support access, not for managing service account permissions.
What should I do if I get this PCSE question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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