The answer is that this policy allows a user to list objects and read objects within the example-bucket. This is correct because the s3:ListBucket action grants permission to view the names of objects in the bucket (like running an ls command), while s3:GetObject permits reading or downloading the actual data of those objects. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of least privilege and how IAM policies control specific S3 operations; a common trap is assuming that ListBucket also grants read access to object content, or forgetting that the resource ARN with the /* wildcard limits the scope to objects within that single bucket. To avoid confusion, remember the memory tip: "List lets you see the menu, Get lets you eat the meal."
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application 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 IAM policy includes the following statement: 'Effect': 'Allow', 'Action': ['s3:ListBucket','s3:GetObject'], 'Resource': 'arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*'. What does this policy allow?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
List objects and read objects in example-bucket
ListBucket allows listing objects, GetObject allows reading objects. It does not allow write or delete. The resource is specific to example-bucket.
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.
✓
List objects and read objects in example-bucket
Why this is correct
ListBucket and GetObject provide list and read.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Full access to all S3 buckets
Why it's wrong here
Only specific actions on one bucket.
✗
Delete objects from example-bucket
Why it's wrong here
No delete actions allowed.
✗
Write objects to example-bucket
Why it's wrong here
No write actions allowed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: List objects and read objects in example-bucket — ListBucket allows listing objects, GetObject allows reading objects. It does not allow write or delete. The resource is specific to example-bucket.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.
Question Discussion
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