- A
Use IAM policies to restrict DBA access to the RDS instance
Why wrong: IAM policies control access to the RDS API but do not restrict database-level access if DBAs have database credentials.
- B
Enable Dynamic Data Masking in RDS to obfuscate PII for all users
Why wrong: RDS does not natively support Dynamic Data Masking; this would need to be implemented at the application level.
- C
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS
Why wrong: Encryption at rest protects data on disk, but users with database access can still query plaintext data.
- D
Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt PII before inserting into the database
Client-side encryption ensures data is encrypted before reaching the database, so DBAs cannot see the plaintext.
Quick Answer
The correct solution is to use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt PII before inserting it into the database. This approach ensures that data is encrypted at the application layer before it ever reaches Amazon RDS, meaning that even database administrators with full database credentials and query access can only see ciphertext, never the plaintext PII. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the shared responsibility model and the distinction between encryption at rest, which protects data on disk but not from authorized database users, and client-side encryption, which shifts control of the encryption keys to the application. A common trap is choosing RDS encryption at rest or IAM policies, but neither prevents a DBA who has database-level access from reading plaintext data. Memory tip: think “encrypt before you send” — if the DBA can query it, client-side encryption is your only friend.
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A company is using an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL database to store personally identifiable information (PII). The security team wants to ensure that database administrators cannot view the plaintext PII data. Which solution should a data engineer implement?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt PII before inserting into the database
Using AWS KMS with client-side encryption ensures that data is encrypted before being sent to RDS, so database administrators cannot read the plaintext. Dynamic data masking in RDS is not natively supported; application-level masking would be needed. RDS encryption at rest protects data on disk but DBAs with access can still query plaintext. Using IAM policies to restrict access does not prevent DBAs with database credentials from viewing data.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use IAM policies to restrict DBA access to the RDS instance
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies control access to the RDS API but do not restrict database-level access if DBAs have database credentials.
- ✗
Enable Dynamic Data Masking in RDS to obfuscate PII for all users
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not natively support Dynamic Data Masking; this would need to be implemented at the application level.
- ✗
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest protects data on disk, but users with database access can still query plaintext data.
- ✓
Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt PII before inserting into the database
Why this is correct
Client-side encryption ensures data is encrypted before reaching the database, so DBAs cannot see the plaintext.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DEA-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DEA-C01 question test?
Data Security and Governance — This question tests Data Security and Governance — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt PII before inserting into the database — Using AWS KMS with client-side encryption ensures that data is encrypted before being sent to RDS, so database administrators cannot read the plaintext. Dynamic data masking in RDS is not natively supported; application-level masking would be needed. RDS encryption at rest protects data on disk but DBAs with access can still query plaintext. Using IAM policies to restrict access does not prevent DBAs with database credentials from viewing data.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DEA-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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