The answer is that the EncryptionConfiguration parameter encrypts the query results stored in Amazon S3 at rest. This parameter is part of the Athena workgroup or query execution settings, and its purpose is to enforce server-side encryption on the output files written to the S3 results location. When you specify SSE_S3, as in the CLI command, you are instructing Athena to use Amazon S3-managed keys to encrypt those result files, ensuring that data at rest in the bucket is protected against unauthorized access. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Athena handles output security, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a candidate must differentiate between encrypting results at rest versus encrypting source data or data in transit. A common trap is confusing EncryptionConfiguration with encryption of the query itself or the underlying source tables. Memory tip: think of the parameter as a "lock on the output bucket"—it secures only what Athena writes, not what it reads.
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 this AWS CLI command to execute an Athena query. What is the purpose of the EncryptionConfiguration parameter?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It encrypts the query results stored in Amazon S3 at rest
The EncryptionConfiguration parameter in Athena specifies how the query results stored in S3 are encrypted at rest. SSE_S3 means server-side encryption with S3-managed keys. It does not encrypt the query itself, data in transit, or the source data.
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.
✗
It encrypts the query string in transit
Why it's wrong here
The CLI command uses HTTPS for transmission; this parameter is for at-rest encryption of results.
✗
It encrypts the data in the source table
Why it's wrong here
The source table encryption is independent of the query result encryption.
✗
It enables client-side encryption for the query output
Why it's wrong here
SSE_S3 is server-side encryption, not client-side.
✓
It encrypts the query results stored in Amazon S3 at rest
Why this is correct
The parameter defines encryption for the result set in S3.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The CLI command uses HTTPS for transmission; this parameter is for at-rest encryption of results.
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: It encrypts the query results stored in Amazon S3 at rest — The EncryptionConfiguration parameter in Athena specifies how the query results stored in S3 are encrypted at rest. SSE_S3 means server-side encryption with S3-managed keys. It does not encrypt the query itself, data in transit, or the source data.
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.
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.