The answer is to enable audit logging, create views that expose only non-sensitive columns, and implement row-level security. This combination works because Redshift’s audit logging captures all SQL queries for compliance, while column masking is achieved by granting access to views that omit sensitive columns rather than the base tables, effectively hiding data from non-privileged users. Row-level security further restricts which rows a user can see, adding a second layer of control. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Redshift lacks native column-level permissions, so views are the standard workaround—a common trap is confusing IAM roles or CloudTrail for query logging, but IAM doesn’t control column access and CloudTrail logs API calls, not SQL queries. Remember the mnemonic: “Views for columns, rows for filters, logs for queries.”
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 company uses Amazon Redshift for data warehousing. The security team requires that all queries be logged for audit and that sensitive columns be masked for non-privileged users. Which THREE steps should the data engineer take? (Choose 3)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement row-level security using Redshift's row-level security feature.
Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: audit logging captures queries. Option C: column-level access control can be achieved with views. Option D: row-level security filters rows. Option B is wrong because IAM roles do not control column access. Option E is wrong because CloudTrail does not log queries.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Implement row-level security using Redshift's row-level security feature.
Why this is correct
Row-level security filters rows based on user.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Enable audit logging on the Redshift cluster.
Why this is correct
Audit logging records all queries.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Enable CloudTrail logging for Redshift data events.
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail does not log SQL queries.
✗
Use IAM roles to restrict access to specific columns.
Why it's wrong here
IAM cannot restrict columns in Redshift.
✓
Create views that expose only non-sensitive columns and grant access to those views.
Why this is correct
Views provide column-level security.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DEA-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Data Security and Governance — This question tests Data Security and Governance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement row-level security using Redshift's row-level security feature. — Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: audit logging captures queries. Option C: column-level access control can be achieved with views. Option D: row-level security filters rows. Option B is wrong because IAM roles do not control column access. Option E is wrong because CloudTrail does not log queries.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DEA-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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