6.4.1 AWS cost and usage for anomaly identification - For those preparing for the AWS Certified Security - Specialty SCS-C02 exam, Task Statement 6.4 centers on using AWS cost and usage data as a security tool. Analyzing cost anomaliessuch as unexpected spend spikes or unusual resource usagecan reveal signs of unauthorized activity, misconfigurations, or compromised accounts in the cloud. Key AWS services like Cost Explorer, Budgets, Trusted Advisor, Cost Anomaly Detection, CloudTrail, and CloudWatch work together to monitor, alert, and help engineers spot threats early. Effective use of these tools involves automating alerts, integrating with cloud security services, and carefully correlating cost data with logged activity to separate real incidents from false alarms. Real-world implementation ties cost controls to security workflows, ensuring rapid detection, investigation, and even automated response to emerging threats. Mastering these practices not only addresses exam requirements but arms engineers with practical skills to safely and efficiently manage AWS environments at scale.
