The correct answer is to export the table to S3 using DynamoDB Export to S3, then import it back using DynamoDB Import from S3 with the new customer-managed KMS key specified. This works because DynamoDB does not support in-place re-encryption of existing data; the export process reads the data as-is, and the import process writes it fresh, applying the new encryption key at rest during the write. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that enabling a new KMS key on a table only encrypts new writes, leaving old data untouched—a common trap where candidates mistakenly believe a simple key update or table copy will re-encrypt everything. Remember, copying a table preserves the original key, and in-place re-encryption is not a DynamoDB feature. For a quick memory tip: think "Export-Import equals re-encrypt; copy or toggle does not."
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 uses Amazon DynamoDB to store session data. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed KMS key. The data engineer has enabled encryption with a KMS key, but discovers that old data remains encrypted with the previous AWS-managed key. How can the engineer re-encrypt all existing data with the new key?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Export the table to S3 using DynamoDB Export to S3, then import using DynamoDB Import from S3 with the new encryption key specified
Option C is correct because Export to S3 and Import from S3 can re-encrypt the data with the new key. Option A is wrong because DynamoDB does not support in-place re-encryption. Option B is wrong because enabling encryption with a new key only applies to new writes. Option D is wrong because copying the table does not re-encrypt with the new key; it uses the table's default key.
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.
✗
Disable and re-enable encryption with the new KMS key
Why it's wrong here
Only affects new data.
✗
Use AWS Backup to back up the table and restore it with the new encryption key
Why it's wrong here
Backup/restore preserves the original encryption.
✗
Use the DynamoDB console to change the encryption key and select 'Apply to existing data'
Why it's wrong here
No such option exists.
✓
Export the table to S3 using DynamoDB Export to S3, then import using DynamoDB Import from S3 with the new encryption key specified
Why this is correct
Export/Import re-encrypts data.
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 — 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: Export the table to S3 using DynamoDB Export to S3, then import using DynamoDB Import from S3 with the new encryption key specified — Option C is correct because Export to S3 and Import from S3 can re-encrypt the data with the new key. Option A is wrong because DynamoDB does not support in-place re-encryption. Option B is wrong because enabling encryption with a new key only applies to new writes. Option D is wrong because copying the table does not re-encrypt with the new key; it uses the table's default key.
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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Question Discussion
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