The correct answer is that the user is permitted to get an object from bucket1. This is because IAM policy evaluation follows an explicit deny precedence rule: any Deny effect overrides any Allow, but only for the specific actions and resources it targets. Here, the Deny applies solely to s3:DeleteObject on bucket2, leaving the Allow for s3:GetObject on bucket1 untouched and fully effective. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of how AWS IAM resolves conflicting statements—a common trap is assuming a Deny on one resource blocks all actions on another. Remember the mnemonic: "Deny always wins, but only where it's pinned."
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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
✓
Get an object from bucket1
The IAM policy grants the `s3:GetObject` action on the ARN `arn:aws:s3:::bucket1/*`, which permits retrieving objects from bucket1. The `Deny` effect for `s3:DeleteObject` on bucket2 does not affect the `Allow` for `s3:GetObject` on bucket1. Therefore, the attached user can get an object from bucket1.
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.
✗
Get an object from bucket2
Why it's wrong here
Deny all S3 actions on bucket2 overrides any allow.
✓
Get an object from bucket1
Why this is correct
s3:GetObject on bucket1/* is explicitly allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
List the objects in bucket1
Why it's wrong here
s3:ListBucket is not allowed by the policy.
✗
Delete an object from bucket2
Why it's wrong here
Denied by the explicit deny on bucket2.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between object-level actions (like `s3:GetObject`) and bucket-level actions (like `s3:ListBucket`), trapping candidates who assume that reading an object implies the ability to list the bucket's contents.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In AWS IAM, an explicit Deny always overrides an Allow, regardless of the order of evaluation. The `s3:GetObject` action operates at the object level (key), while `s3:ListBucket` is a separate bucket-level action; a user with only `s3:GetObject` cannot enumerate objects. The policy uses a wildcard (`*`) in the resource ARN for bucket1, which matches all objects within that bucket.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Get an object from bucket1 — The IAM policy grants the `s3:GetObject` action on the ARN `arn:aws:s3:::bucket1/*`, which permits retrieving objects from bucket1. The `Deny` effect for `s3:DeleteObject` on bucket2 does not affect the `Allow` for `s3:GetObject` on bucket1. Therefore, the attached user can get an object from bucket1.
What should I do if I get this CC 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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