DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
A company is using Amazon DynamoDB with client-side encryption using the DynamoDB Encryption Client. The encryption keys are stored in AWS KMS. The security team wants to ensure that the encryption keys can be used only by authorized applications. What should be done?
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 a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications.
A KMS key policy that restricts decryption permissions to specific IAM roles ensures only authorized applications can use the client-side encryption keys. Option A is incorrect because storing keys in CloudHSM does not by itself enforce application-level authorization; key policies are still needed. Option B is incorrect because Secrets Manager is for storing secrets, not for managing key permissions; it does not replace KMS key policies. Option C is incorrect because IAM policies alone cannot deny DynamoDB access based on encryption keys; access control is managed via the key policy and IAM permissions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store the encryption keys in AWS CloudHSM instead of KMS.
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM does not integrate directly with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- ✗
Use AWS Secrets Manager to store the encryption keys and rotate them automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager is not designed for encryption keys used with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- ✗
Use an IAM policy that denies access to the DynamoDB table unless the request includes the correct key.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot enforce client-side encryption key usage.
- ✓
Use a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications.
Why this is correct
KMS key policies can restrict which principals can use the key.
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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.