- A
Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster.
AWS KMS supports automatic annual key rotation, and Redshift can use KMS keys for encryption.
- B
Create the cluster with AWS CloudHSM-backed encryption and rotate the key annually.
Why wrong: CloudHSM does not provide automatic key rotation; manual rotation is complex.
- C
Enable encryption on the existing cluster by modifying the cluster settings.
Why wrong: You cannot enable encryption on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster.
- D
Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.
Why wrong: This is a correct approach, but note that automatic key rotation is enabled by default for KMS keys created after January 2020, and you can also enable it manually.
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 Redshift cluster that stores sensitive financial data. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest and that the encryption keys be rotated annually. Which solution meets these requirements?
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
Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster.
Option D is correct because Redshift supports encryption at rest with AWS KMS, and KMS keys can be rotated automatically or manually yearly. Option A is wrong because Redshift does not allow you to change the encryption key type after the cluster is created. Option B is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted cluster is not possible without a snapshot restore. Option C is wrong because CloudHSM is not required and does not provide automatic key rotation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster.
Why this is correct
AWS KMS supports automatic annual key rotation, and Redshift can use KMS keys for encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create the cluster with AWS CloudHSM-backed encryption and rotate the key annually.
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM does not provide automatic key rotation; manual rotation is complex.
- ✗
Enable encryption on the existing cluster by modifying the cluster settings.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot enable encryption on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster.
- ✗
Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.
Why it's wrong here
This is a correct approach, but note that automatic key rotation is enabled by default for KMS keys created after January 2020, and you can also enable it manually.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which DBS-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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster. — Option D is correct because Redshift supports encryption at rest with AWS KMS, and KMS keys can be rotated automatically or manually yearly. Option A is wrong because Redshift does not allow you to change the encryption key type after the cluster is created. Option B is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted cluster is not possible without a snapshot restore. Option C is wrong because CloudHSM is not required and does not provide automatic key rotation.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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