This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud data 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# Example of cloud KMS key policy (JSON)
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Id": "key-default",
"Statement": [
{
"Sid": "Enable IAM User Permissions",
"Effect": "Allow",
"Principal": {
"AWS": "arn:aws:iam::123456789012:root"
},
"Action": "kms:*",
"Resource": "*"
},
{
"Sid": "Allow use of the key",
"Effect": "Allow",
"Principal": {
"AWS": "arn:aws:iam::123456789012:role/AppRole"
},
"Action": [
"kms:Encrypt",
"kms:Decrypt",
"kms:ReEncrypt*",
"kms:GenerateDataKey*",
"kms:DescribeKey"
],
"Resource": "*"
}
]
}
```
The exhibit shows a key policy for a customer master key (CMK) in a cloud KMS. An administrator wants to prevent the AppRole from using the key to decrypt data. Which change to the policy would accomplish this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove "kms:Decrypt" from the action list in the AppRole statement.
Option D is correct because the AppRole's current policy statement explicitly includes 'kms:Decrypt' in the action list, granting it permission to decrypt data. By removing 'kms:Decrypt' from that action list, the AppRole retains its other allowed actions (such as kms:Encrypt) but can no longer perform decryption operations. This is the most precise and least disruptive change, as it only removes the specific permission needed to prevent decryption without affecting other allowed actions.
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.
✗
Add a deny statement for AppRole with effect "Deny" for kms:Decrypt.
Why it's wrong here
A deny statement would also block decryption, but it's less direct than modifying the existing allow statement.
✗
Remove the entire "Allow use of the key" statement.
Why it's wrong here
This would remove all permissions for AppRole, including encryption, which may be too restrictive.
✗
Change the AppRole action list to include only kms:Encrypt.
Why it's wrong here
This is similar to B but also removes ReEncrypt and GenerateDataKey; B is more precise.
✓
Remove "kms:Decrypt" from the action list in the AppRole statement.
Why this is correct
Decrypt is the specific action needed for decryption. Removing it prevents decryption but allows encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the principle of least privilege and the precise modification of permissions, where candidates may incorrectly choose to add a deny statement (Option A) instead of simply removing the specific action from the allow list, misunderstanding that an explicit deny is not the most efficient or correct way to revoke a permission that was previously granted.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
This is similar to B but also removes ReEncrypt and GenerateDataKey; B is more precise.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In AWS KMS, key policies are resource-based policies that define who can use the CMK and for which actions. The policy evaluation logic follows a default deny model, where an explicit allow is required for any action; removing an action from the allow statement effectively denies that action without needing an explicit deny. This approach avoids the complexity of deny statements, which can be overridden by other policies (e.g., service control policies) and can lead to unexpected behavior if not carefully managed.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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 Data Security — This question tests Cloud Data Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove "kms:Decrypt" from the action list in the AppRole statement. — Option D is correct because the AppRole's current policy statement explicitly includes 'kms:Decrypt' in the action list, granting it permission to decrypt data. By removing 'kms:Decrypt' from that action list, the AppRole retains its other allowed actions (such as kms:Encrypt) but can no longer perform decryption operations. This is the most precise and least disruptive change, as it only removes the specific permission needed to prevent decryption without affecting other allowed actions.
What should I do if I get this CCSP 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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