- A
Use server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS)
Why wrong: SSE-KMS also uses AWS-managed keys but requires additional configuration for automatic rotation; however, the default key rotation is annual, so it could also meet the requirement. But SSE-S3 is simpler and still meets the requirement. The question asks for the option that meets the requirements, and SSE-S3 does.
- B
Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS
Why wrong: Client-side encryption encrypts data before sending to S3 and does not meet the requirement of server-side encryption at rest.
- C
Use server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C)
Why wrong: SSE-C requires the customer to manage the keys, not AWS.
- D
Use server-side encryption with S3-managed keys (SSE-S3)
SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys that are rotated automatically.
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 needs to ensure that an S3 bucket containing sensitive customer data is encrypted at rest. The company requires that all encryption keys be managed by AWS and rotated annually. Which encryption option meets these requirements?
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 server-side encryption with S3-managed keys (SSE-S3)
SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys and handles key rotation automatically. SSE-KMS also uses AWS-managed keys but gives more control; however, the requirement does not specify customer-managed keys. SSE-C requires the customer to manage keys, which does not meet the requirement of AWS-managed keys. Option D is not a valid encryption type.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS)
Why it's wrong here
SSE-KMS also uses AWS-managed keys but requires additional configuration for automatic rotation; however, the default key rotation is annual, so it could also meet the requirement. But SSE-S3 is simpler and still meets the requirement. The question asks for the option that meets the requirements, and SSE-S3 does.
- ✗
Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS
Why it's wrong here
Client-side encryption encrypts data before sending to S3 and does not meet the requirement of server-side encryption at rest.
- ✗
Use server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C)
Why it's wrong here
SSE-C requires the customer to manage the keys, not AWS.
- ✓
Use server-side encryption with S3-managed keys (SSE-S3)
Why this is correct
SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys that are rotated automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Data Security and Governance — study guide chapter
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use server-side encryption with S3-managed keys (SSE-S3) — SSE-S3 uses AWS-managed keys and handles key rotation automatically. SSE-KMS also uses AWS-managed keys but gives more control; however, the requirement does not specify customer-managed keys. SSE-C requires the customer to manage keys, which does not meet the requirement of AWS-managed keys. Option D is not a valid encryption type.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DEA-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DEA-C01 exam.
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