- A
Create a read replica of the DB instance with encryption enabled, and then promote the read replica to become the primary instance.
Why wrong: Read replicas cannot have encryption enabled if the source is unencrypted.
- B
Modify the DB instance and enable encryption using the AWS Management Console.
Why wrong: RDS does not allow enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted instance via modification.
- C
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
This is the standard procedure to enable encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance.
- D
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to the same DB instance ID.
Why wrong: Restoring to the same instance ID is not possible; you must create a new instance.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance. This is the only viable method because encryption at rest cannot be enabled on an existing, unencrypted RDS instance through a direct modification or by altering a read replica; the underlying storage must be re-provisioned with encryption, which requires the snapshot-copy-restore workflow. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that RDS encryption is a one-way, instance-level attribute set at launch, and the snapshot copy is the standard path to enable encryption on an existing instance with minimal downtime—though some downtime is unavoidable. A common trap is assuming you can modify the instance or use a read replica to enable encryption, but neither is supported. Memory tip: “Snap, Copy, Restore” — you cannot encrypt a running car, only build a new one from a blueprint.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 RDS for MySQL DB instance that stores sensitive customer data. The security team requires that all data at rest be encrypted using a customer-managed AWS KMS key. The DB instance was originally launched without encryption. Which combination of steps will meet the requirement with the least downtime?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
Option D is correct because you must create a snapshot of the unencrypted DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and then restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance. This process results in some downtime but is the standard method for enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance. Option A is incorrect because modifying the DB instance directly does not support enabling encryption. Option B is incorrect because enabling encryption on a snapshot copy is the correct approach, but you cannot restore an encrypted snapshot to the same instance; you must create a new instance. Option C is incorrect because RDS does not support enabling encryption via a read replica.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a read replica of the DB instance with encryption enabled, and then promote the read replica to become the primary instance.
Why it's wrong here
Read replicas cannot have encryption enabled if the source is unencrypted.
- ✗
Modify the DB instance and enable encryption using the AWS Management Console.
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not allow enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted instance via modification.
- ✓
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
Why this is correct
This is the standard procedure to enable encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to the same DB instance ID.
Why it's wrong here
Restoring to the same instance ID is not possible; you must create a new instance.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance. — Option D is correct because you must create a snapshot of the unencrypted DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled using the desired KMS key, and then restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance. This process results in some downtime but is the standard method for enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance. Option A is incorrect because modifying the DB instance directly does not support enabling encryption. Option B is incorrect because enabling encryption on a snapshot copy is the correct approach, but you cannot restore an encrypted snapshot to the same instance; you must create a new instance. Option C is incorrect because RDS does not support enabling encryption via a read replica.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on DBS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company has an Amazon RDS for MySQL database that contains sensitive data. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed key stored in AWS KMS. Which action should be taken to meet this requirement?
easy- A.Enable encryption on the existing RDS instance by modifying the instance.
- ✓ B.Create a new RDS instance with encryption enabled using the KMS key, migrate data, and delete the old instance.
- C.Configure the DB parameter group to require encryption at rest.
- D.Create a snapshot of the unencrypted database and restore it as an encrypted database.
Why B: Option D is correct because RDS encryption at rest with a customer-managed KMS key is enabled at launch time and cannot be enabled after creation. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted instance is not supported. Option B is wrong because you cannot modify an existing instance to add encryption. Option C is wrong because encryption is set at launch, not by modifying the DB parameter group.
Variation 2. A company is storing sensitive customer data in an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance. They need to ensure that data is encrypted at rest. What is the simplest way to achieve this?
easy- A.Enable encryption on the existing DB instance by modifying the DB instance settings.
- B.Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on the MySQL instance.
- ✓ C.Launch a new encrypted DB instance and migrate the data.
- D.Use client-side encryption with AWS KMS to encrypt data before inserting into the database.
Why C: Option B is correct because enabling encryption at rest on a new RDS instance is straightforward. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted DB instance requires a snapshot and restore. Option C is wrong because client-side encryption is more complex and not the simplest. Option D is wrong because RDS does not natively support Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) for MySQL.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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