Quick Answer
The answer is enabling default encryption on the S3 bucket. This setting automatically applies server-side encryption (SSE-S3, SSE-KMS, or SSE-C) to every new object uploaded, ensuring all data is encrypted at rest without requiring any client-side changes. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the simplest and most reliable method to enforce encryption at rest, as opposed to using bucket policies which require careful condition key management or S3 Block Public Access which addresses a completely different security domain. A common trap is confusing encryption enforcement with access controls or object retention, so remember that default encryption is the bucket-level toggle for encryption at rest. Memory tip: think of default encryption as the "set it and forget it" switch for S3 encryption compliance.
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 needs to enforce that all objects uploaded to an S3 bucket are encrypted at rest. Which bucket setting should be used?
Default encryption
Default encryption automatically encrypts objects at rest.
S3 Object Lock
Why wrong: Object Lock prevents object deletion, not encryption.
Bucket policy requiring s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption header
Why wrong: While this can enforce encryption, default encryption is the recommended approach.
S3 Block Public Access
Why wrong: Block Public Access prevents public access, not encryption.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Default encryption
Option C is correct because enabling default encryption on the S3 bucket ensures all objects are encrypted at rest. Option A is wrong because S3 Block Public Access controls public access, not encryption. Option B is wrong because bucket policies can enforce encryption but default encryption is simpler. Option D is wrong because S3 Object Lock is for retention, not encryption.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Default encryption
Why this is correct
Default encryption automatically encrypts objects at rest.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
S3 Object Lock
Why it's wrong here
Object Lock prevents object deletion, not encryption.
Bucket policy requiring s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption header
Why it's wrong here
While this can enforce encryption, default encryption is the recommended approach.
S3 Block Public Access
Why it's wrong here
Block Public Access prevents public access, not encryption.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Data Security and Governance — This question tests Data Security and Governance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Default encryption — Option C is correct because enabling default encryption on the S3 bucket ensures all objects are encrypted at rest. Option A is wrong because S3 Block Public Access controls public access, not encryption. Option B is wrong because bucket policies can enforce encryption but default encryption is simpler. Option D is wrong because S3 Object Lock is for retention, not encryption.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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