The correct answer is to use an AWS Config rule to check for tables not using the customer-managed key and trigger auto-remediation. This approach is the most efficient because AWS Config continuously evaluates your DynamoDB encryption compliance against a desired configuration—specifically, whether each table uses a customer-managed KMS key—and can automatically remediate noncompliant tables without requiring any changes to developer workflows or existing code. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of governance and automation at scale, where manual enforcement or code-level changes are impractical across hundreds of developers using diverse tools. A common trap is choosing a service control policy (SCP), but SCPs cannot enforce DynamoDB encryption settings; they only restrict permissions at the account level. Remember the memory tip: “Config catches, remediation patches”—AWS Config is your detective, and auto-remediation is your fixer for encryption policies.
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 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 DynamoDB encryption with a customer-managed key. However, the security team notices that the key is not being used for all tables; some tables still use the default AWS-managed key. The engineer needs to ensure that all new tables are automatically encrypted with the customer-managed key. The company has hundreds of developers who create tables using various methods (console, CLI, SDK, CloudFormation). What is the most efficient way to enforce this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use an AWS Config rule to check for tables not using the customer-managed key and trigger auto-remediation.
Option C is correct because AWS Config rules can evaluate whether DynamoDB tables use customer-managed KMS keys and take remediation actions. Option A is wrong because it requires updating all existing code. Option B is wrong because CloudFormation templates can be bypassed. Option D is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce encryption configuration for DynamoDB.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create a CloudFormation template that all developers must use to create tables.
Why it's wrong here
Developers can still use other methods.
✗
Attach an SCP to deny creating DynamoDB tables without the customer-managed key.
Use an AWS Config rule to check for tables not using the customer-managed key and trigger auto-remediation.
Why this is correct
Config can detect and remediate non-compliant resources.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Update the company's internal documentation and require all developers to specify the KMS key in their code.
Why it's wrong here
Not enforceable automatically.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Data Security and Governance — This question tests Data Security and Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an AWS Config rule to check for tables not using the customer-managed key and trigger auto-remediation. — Option C is correct because AWS Config rules can evaluate whether DynamoDB tables use customer-managed KMS keys and take remediation actions. Option A is wrong because it requires updating all existing code. Option B is wrong because CloudFormation templates can be bypassed. Option D is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce encryption configuration for DynamoDB.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.