How can you securely provide temporary access to a specific AWS account for a 3rd-party auditor without creating a permanent IAM user or sharing passwords?

Direct Answer (Verified)Reviewed by Sunny (Senior Cloud Engineer)

Correct Answer: Create an IAM Role with a 'Cross-account trust policy' and an 'External ID'

Cross-account roles allow users from another account (the auditor) to assume a role in your account. The 'External ID' is a security best practice to prevent the 'confused deputy' ...

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Real Exam ScenarioAWS IAM

How can you securely provide temporary access to a specific AWS account for a 3rd-party auditor without creating a permanent IAM user or sharing passwords?

✓ Correct Answer & ExplanationAWS IAM

Correct Answer

Create an IAM Role with a 'Cross-account trust policy' and an 'External ID'

Why This Answer Is Correct

Cross-account roles allow users from another account (the auditor) to assume a role in your account. The 'External ID' is a security best practice to prevent the 'confused deputy' problem.

📚 What This Question Tests

This question evaluates your knowledge of AWS IAM — a core concept tested in AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02). Understanding AWS IAM is essential for designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud architectures. Mastery of this topic will help you answer scenario-based questions confidently on exam day.