The answer is to create a customer-managed KMS key, enable key rotation, and set a deletion protection policy. This is correct because while enabling encryption on an RDS for SQL Server instance protects data at rest, it does not prevent the underlying KMS key from being deleted, which would render the encrypted data unrecoverable. By enabling key rotation and deletion protection on the customer-managed key, you ensure the key material is regularly refreshed and that the key cannot be deleted without first removing the protection policy, satisfying the security team’s requirement for authorization. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the distinction between RDS encryption features and KMS key governance controls—a common trap is assuming that enabling RDS encryption alone covers key deletion risks. Remember the mnemonic “RDS encrypts, KMS protects”: RDS handles the encryption toggle, but KMS deletion protection and rotation are separate, mandatory safeguards for customer-managed keys.
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 SQL Server DB instance that stores financial data. The security team requires that the data be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed key stored in AWS KMS. Additionally, they want to ensure that the key cannot be deleted without authorization. What should be done?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a customer-managed KMS key, enable key rotation, and set a deletion protection policy.
Option D is correct because enabling key rotation and deletion protection on the KMS key provides the required controls. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on RDS does not by itself protect the key from deletion. Option B is wrong because CloudHSM keys are not managed through KMS. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail only logs actions, it does not prevent deletion.
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.
✓
Create a customer-managed KMS key, enable key rotation, and set a deletion protection policy.
Why this is correct
KMS supports customer-managed keys with rotation and deletion protection.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Enable encryption on the RDS instance and use the default KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
The default key is AWS-managed, not customer-managed, and does not have deletion protection.
✗
Use AWS CloudHSM to generate and store the encryption key, and associate it with the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
RDS encryption with KMS does not support CloudHSM keys directly.
✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail to log key deletion attempts.
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not prevent deletion.
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: Create a customer-managed KMS key, enable key rotation, and set a deletion protection policy. — Option D is correct because enabling key rotation and deletion protection on the KMS key provides the required controls. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on RDS does not by itself protect the key from deletion. Option B is wrong because CloudHSM keys are not managed through KMS. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail only logs actions, it does not prevent deletion.
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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Question Discussion
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