DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
A company has an Amazon RDS for SQL Server Multi-AZ DB instance with a standby replica in a different AWS Region. The database is encrypted with a KMS key. The company needs to implement automated backups that are also encrypted and stored in a cross-region S3 bucket. The backups must be retained for 3 years. Which solution meets these requirements with the LEAST administrative effort?
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
✓
Configure RDS to send automated backups directly to the cross-region S3 bucket using the AWS Backup service.
AWS Backup can be used to manage automated backups of RDS instances and store them in a cross-region S3 bucket. AWS Backup natively supports RDS and allows you to create backup plans that automatically take snapshots and copy them to a different region, storing them in S3. The backups are encrypted using the KMS key, and you can set retention policies for 3 years. This solution requires minimal administrative effort as AWS Backup automates the entire process. Option B is incorrect because RDS cross-Region backup copy stores backups in the destination region's RDS-managed storage, not in an S3 bucket as required. Option C is incorrect because AWS DMS is designed for migrations, not for ongoing backup management. Option D is incorrect because manual snapshots require manual intervention and do not provide automated backups.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure RDS to send automated backups directly to the cross-region S3 bucket using the AWS Backup service.
Why this is correct
AWS Backup can automate RDS backups and store them in a cross-region S3 bucket, fulfilling all requirements with minimal effort.
- ✗
Enable automated backups on the RDS instance, configure cross-Region backup copy to a destination Region, and store the backups in an S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock enabled for retention.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-Region backup copy stores backups in RDS-managed storage, not in S3, so it does not meet the requirement to store backups in an S3 bucket.
- ✗
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to continuously replicate the database to an S3 bucket in the target region.
Why it's wrong here
AWS DMS is for database migrations, not for ongoing backup automation.
- ✗
Create manual snapshots of the RDS instance, copy them to the cross-region S3 bucket using AWS CLI, and set a lifecycle policy for retention.
Why it's wrong here
Manual snapshots require manual effort and do not provide automated backups.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DBS-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 DBS-C01 exam.