Quick Answer
The correct answer is GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO 'user'@'%'; because this command precisely restricts the user to read-only access on all tables within a specific database in Amazon Aurora MySQL. The ON db_name.* clause targets every table in that database, while SELECT limits the privilege to queries only, preventing any INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or DDL operations. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of granular privilege management in Aurora MySQL, a common topic where candidates often confuse GRANT with CREATE USER or mistakenly think REVOKE can assign permissions. A frequent trap is selecting ALTER USER, which modifies account settings like password or resource limits, not privileges. For the exam, remember the pattern: GRANT [privilege] ON [database].[object] TO [user] — and when you need read-only access to an entire database, the wildcard * after the database name is your key. Memory tip: "SELECT * is for reading, GRANT SELECT ON db.* is for restricting."
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 using Amazon Aurora MySQL-Compatible Edition. The database administrator wants to restrict a specific user to only execute SELECT statements on a specific database. Which SQL command should the administrator use?
ALTER USER 'user'@'%' WITH GRANT OPTION;
Why wrong: Alters user to allow granting privileges, but does not grant SELECT.
CREATE USER 'user'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
Why wrong: Creates user but does not grant SELECT.
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON db_name.* FROM 'user'@'%';
Why wrong: This revokes privileges, does not grant SELECT.
GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO 'user'@'%';
Grants SELECT on all tables in the database.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO 'user'@'%';
Option C is correct because GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO user grants SELECT on all tables in the database. Option A is wrong because REVOKE removes privileges. Option B is wrong because CREATE USER creates a user but does not grant privileges. Option D is wrong because ALTER USER modifies user attributes.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ALTER USER 'user'@'%' WITH GRANT OPTION;
Why it's wrong here
Alters user to allow granting privileges, but does not grant SELECT.
CREATE USER 'user'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
Why it's wrong here
Creates user but does not grant SELECT.
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON db_name.* FROM 'user'@'%';
Why it's wrong here
This revokes privileges, does not grant SELECT.
GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO 'user'@'%';
Why this is correct
Grants SELECT on all tables in the database.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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
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.
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FAQ
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO 'user'@'%'; — Option C is correct because GRANT SELECT ON db_name.* TO user grants SELECT on all tables in the database. Option A is wrong because REVOKE removes privileges. Option B is wrong because CREATE USER creates a user but does not grant privileges. Option D is wrong because ALTER USER modifies user attributes.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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