The correct answer is to enable RDS encryption at rest using AWS KMS and to implement Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) for SQL Server. RDS encryption at rest via KMS automatically encrypts the underlying storage, automated backups, read replicas, and snapshots at the instance level using a customer master key, while TDE provides an additional layer of encryption at the database file level, writing encrypted data to disk and decrypting it on read. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that RDS encryption is a storage-layer feature managed by KMS, whereas TDE is a SQL Server-native feature for column or database-level encryption—a common trap is confusing SSL (which secures data in transit) with at-rest encryption. Remember the memory tip: "KMS for the disk, TDE for the data inside the disk."
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 is designing a security strategy for Amazon RDS for SQL Server. Which TWO actions should be taken to encrypt data at rest? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on the SQL Server database.
Option A is correct because enabling RDS encryption at rest uses KMS. Option C is correct because Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is supported by SQL Server and can be used. Option B is wrong because SSL encrypts in transit. Option D is wrong because EBS encryption is not applicable to RDS instances (RDS manages storage). Option E is wrong because CloudHSM is not required for RDS encryption.
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.
✗
Enable Amazon EBS encryption on the underlying volumes.
Why it's wrong here
RDS manages the underlying storage; EBS encryption is not directly configurable.
✓
Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on the SQL Server database.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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.
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: Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on the SQL Server database. — Option A is correct because enabling RDS encryption at rest uses KMS. Option C is correct because Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is supported by SQL Server and can be used. Option B is wrong because SSL encrypts in transit. Option D is wrong because EBS encryption is not applicable to RDS instances (RDS manages storage). Option E is wrong because CloudHSM is not required for RDS encryption.
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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Question Discussion
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