The correct answer is to modify the DB instance to set PubliclyAccessible to false. This change directly removes the public IP address assigned to the RDS instance, ensuring it cannot be reached from the internet, which is the precise requirement of the security team. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of network-level security controls for managed databases, often appearing in scenario-based questions where candidates must distinguish between disabling public access versus relying solely on security group rules. A common trap is assuming that restricting inbound traffic via security groups is sufficient, but the instance still retains a public IP and remains theoretically reachable—only setting PubliclyAccessible to false eliminates that public endpoint entirely. Remember the mnemonic: "False for no public face" to recall that disabling public accessibility removes the public-facing IP address.
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. 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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer runs the above CLI command and sees the output. The security team requires that the RDS instance not be accessible from the internet. Which change should the engineer make?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the DB instance to set PubliclyAccessible to false.
Option A is correct because setting PubliclyAccessible to false removes public IP. Option B (Multi-AZ) is for high availability. Option C (storage type) does not affect accessibility. Option D (security group) can restrict but public IP is still assigned.
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.
✗
Change the storage type to io1 for better performance.
Why it's wrong here
Storage type does not affect network accessibility.
✓
Modify the DB instance to set PubliclyAccessible to false.
Why this is correct
This removes the public IP address.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable Multi-AZ deployment to improve security.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ does not affect internet accessibility.
✗
Update the VPC security group to deny inbound traffic from 0.0.0.0/0.
Why it's wrong here
Security group can block traffic but the instance still has a public IP.
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 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.
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 Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the DB instance to set PubliclyAccessible to false. — Option A is correct because setting PubliclyAccessible to false removes public IP. Option B (Multi-AZ) is for high availability. Option C (storage type) does not affect accessibility. Option D (security group) can restrict but public IP is still assigned.
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.
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Question Discussion
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