DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer runs the AWS CLI command shown to encrypt a file using AWS KMS. The command succeeds. Later, the engineer tries to decrypt the file using the same key but without providing an encryption context. The decryption fails. What is the most likely reason?
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
✓
The encryption context must be provided during decryption.
When encrypting data with AWS KMS, an encryption context can be provided as additional authenticated data (AAD). This context must be supplied during decryption; otherwise, decryption fails. The command succeeded during encryption, so the key is not disabled (B is wrong) and the key policy is not the issue (A is wrong). File corruption would cause a different error (C is wrong).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The KMS key policy does not allow decryption.
Why it's wrong here
Key policy likely allows decrypt if encrypt succeeded.
- ✗
The KMS key has been disabled.
Why it's wrong here
The command succeeded, so key is enabled.
- ✗
The plaintext file was corrupted.
Why it's wrong here
The command succeeded, so file is fine.
- ✓
The encryption context must be provided during decryption.
Why this is correct
KMS uses encryption context as AAD; it must match exactly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.