The correct actions are to configure a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR block and to configure a network ACL to allow inbound traffic from that same CIDR block. This works because security groups act as a virtual firewall at the instance level, explicitly controlling traffic to the Redshift cluster, while network ACLs provide a stateless layer of security at the subnet level, ensuring that only traffic from the specified on-premises network can enter the VPC subnet hosting the cluster. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of network-level access control for Redshift in a hybrid architecture, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose VPC endpoints or Enhanced VPC Routing. Remember that Redshift does not support VPC endpoints for private connectivity, and Enhanced VPC Routing controls data flow, not access. A useful memory tip is "SG for the cluster, NACL for the subnet" — think of the security group as the door guard and the network ACL as the building's outer fence, both needed to restrict access from your on-premises network via Direct Connect.
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. 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.
A data engineer is configuring a VPC for an Amazon Redshift cluster. The cluster must be accessible only from a specific on-premises network via a Direct Connect connection. Which TWO actions should the engineer take to meet this requirement? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR block.
To restrict access to Redshift, you use a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR, and optionally use a network ACL for subnet-level security. Option A is incorrect because Redshift does not support VPC endpoints. Option D is incorrect because Redshift Enhanced VPC Routing is for routing traffic, not for access control. Option E is incorrect because public endpoints are not secure. Correct: B and C.
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.
✗
Enable Redshift Enhanced VPC Routing.
Why it's wrong here
Enhanced VPC Routing controls traffic routing, not access.
✓
Configure a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR block.
Why this is correct
Security groups act as a firewall to control inbound traffic.
Redshift does not use VPC endpoints; it uses security groups and NACLs.
✗
Make the Redshift cluster publicly accessible.
Why it's wrong here
Public accessibility would allow access from the internet, which is not desired.
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.
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: Configure a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR block. — To restrict access to Redshift, you use a security group to allow inbound traffic from the on-premises CIDR, and optionally use a network ACL for subnet-level security. Option A is incorrect because Redshift does not support VPC endpoints. Option D is incorrect because Redshift Enhanced VPC Routing is for routing traffic, not for access control. Option E is incorrect because public endpoints are not secure. Correct: B and C.
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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Question Discussion
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