The correct answer combines IAM roles with least privilege, AWS CloudTrail for API logging, and an interface VPC endpoint with a tailored endpoint policy. These three steps work together because IAM roles enforce granular access control, CloudTrail captures every DynamoDB API call for auditing, and the VPC endpoint ensures traffic stays within the AWS network while the endpoint policy acts as an additional guardrail. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth for DynamoDB access auditing, often appearing in multi-select questions where you must distinguish between logging (CloudTrail), encryption (KMS), and network-level controls (VPC endpoints). A common trap is choosing a VPC gateway endpoint instead of an interface endpoint—DynamoDB requires an interface endpoint for private connectivity. Remember the mnemonic “LIV” for Least privilege, Interface endpoint, and VPC endpoint policy to lock down access.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. 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 has an Amazon DynamoDB table that stores user sessions. The security team wants to ensure that only authorized applications can read and write to the table, and that all access is logged. Which THREE steps should the company take to meet these requirements?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log DynamoDB API calls.
Options B, C, and D are correct. IAM roles with least privilege restrict access. AWS CloudTrail logs API calls. VPC endpoints ensure traffic stays within AWS network and can be controlled via endpoint policies. Option A is for auditing, but CloudTrail is more comprehensive. Option E is for encryption, not access control.
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.
✓
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log DynamoDB API calls.
Why this is correct
Logs all data plane and control plane operations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows only the required DynamoDB actions.
Why this is correct
Least privilege access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Use an interface VPC endpoint for DynamoDB with a VPC endpoint policy.
Why this is correct
Controls access and keeps traffic within VPC.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Encrypt the table using a customer-managed KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is separate from access control and logging.
✗
Enable DynamoDB Streams and process events with Lambda.
Why it's wrong here
Streams are for changes, not access control or logging.
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 DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable AWS CloudTrail to log DynamoDB API calls. — Options B, C, and D are correct. IAM roles with least privilege restrict access. AWS CloudTrail logs API calls. VPC endpoints ensure traffic stays within AWS network and can be controlled via endpoint policies. Option A is for auditing, but CloudTrail is more comprehensive. Option E is for encryption, not access control.
What should I do if I get this DBS-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 DBS-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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