AWS DevOps Engineer Professional Practice Test

How does Amazon Systems Manager contribute to maintaining a secured environment?

1. It implements network threat detection

2. It automates patch deployment across resources

3. It tests vulnerabilities in IAM roles

4. It provides real-time analytics of network traffic

The correct answer is: It automates patch deployment across resources

Amazon Systems Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining a secured environment by automating patch deployment across resources. Keeping systems patched is essential for closing security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Systems Manager provides the capability to automate these updates and patches, ensuring that all managed instances are running the latest software versions with the most recent security patches installed. This automation not only enhances security but also saves time and reduces operational overhead, as manual patching can lead to inconsistencies and gaps in security if not carefully managed. While other options may suggest security-related functions, they do not directly align with Systems Manager's primary responsibilities. For instance, network threat detection, vulnerability testing in IAM roles, and real-time analytics of network traffic are generally managed by different specialized tools and services within AWS, such as AWS GuardDuty, AWS Security Hub, or AWS CloudTrail. Thus, the emphasis on automated patch deployment underscores how Amazon Systems Manager specifically contributes to creating a more secure operational environment.