The correct answer is that anonymous read access is allowed only over HTTPS. This is true because the S3 bucket policy uses a condition key `aws:SecureTransport` set to `true`, which explicitly denies any request not made over HTTPS while granting anonymous read access to `Principal: "*"`. On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to enforce encryption in transit using bucket policies, a key control for data protection in cloud environments. A common trap is assuming that an `Allow` effect for anonymous access automatically permits all protocols, but the `Deny` condition overrides that for non-HTTPS requests. Remember the memory tip: "SecureTransport true locks the door for HTTP, only HTTPS gets the key."
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Anonymous read access is allowed only over HTTPS
Option A is correct because the S3 bucket policy includes a condition `aws:SecureTransport` set to `true`, which explicitly denies any request that is not made over HTTPS. The `Effect: Allow` on the `Principal: "*"` grants anonymous read access, but the `Condition` block ensures that only HTTPS requests are permitted, making anonymous read access allowed only over HTTPS.
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.
✓
Anonymous read access is allowed only over HTTPS
Why this is correct
The condition requires SecureTransport (HTTPS), and access is anonymous.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Write actions are not allowed, and HTTP is not required.
✗
Only authenticated users can access objects
Why it's wrong here
Principal '*' allows anonymous access, not just authenticated users.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISACA often tests the nuance that a policy granting anonymous access with a `Condition` block can still restrict the protocol, leading candidates to mistakenly think the bucket is fully public or that only authenticated users can access it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `aws:SecureTransport` condition key evaluates the `True` or `False` value of the TLS/SSL connection. When set to `true` in a `Deny` statement, it blocks all HTTP requests, effectively enforcing HTTPS-only access. This is a common pattern to meet compliance requirements like PCI DSS or HIPAA, where data in transit must be encrypted. Note that the policy uses a `Deny` effect with the `NotPrincipal` or explicit condition, which overrides any `Allow` for non-compliant requests.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Anonymous read access is allowed only over HTTPS — Option A is correct because the S3 bucket policy includes a condition `aws:SecureTransport` set to `true`, which explicitly denies any request that is not made over HTTPS. The `Effect: Allow` on the `Principal: "*"` grants anonymous read access, but the `Condition` block ensures that only HTTPS requests are permitted, making anonymous read access allowed only over HTTPS.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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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