- A
Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group.
This parameter forces the PostgreSQL server to reject non-SSL connections.
- B
Install the RDS CA certificate on all client machines.
Why wrong: This enables trust but does not enforce SSL; the client could still connect without SSL.
- C
Create a new SSL certificate and associate it with the RDS instance.
Why wrong: RDS uses a default SSL certificate; creating a new one is not required.
- D
Configure the application connection string to use 'sslmode=require'.
Why wrong: This is a client-side setting; it does not enforce server-side.
- E
Modify the pg_hba.conf file to require SSL for all users by setting 'hostssl' entries.
pg_hba.conf controls authentication; requiring SSL for all hosts enforces encryption.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to set the parameter `rds.force_ssl=1` in the RDS parameter group and modify the `pg_hba.conf` file to require SSL by using `hostssl` entries instead of `host`. This works because `rds.force_ssl=1` instructs the PostgreSQL server to reject any non-SSL connection attempt at the protocol level, while `pg_hba.conf` provides a second layer of defense by explicitly mapping client authentication rules to require SSL for specific users or databases. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of server-side encryption enforcement versus client-side configuration—a common trap is confusing `rds.force_ssl` with client-side SSL modes like `sslmode=require`. Remember that `rds.force_ssl` is a static parameter requiring a reboot, and `pg_hba.conf` changes take effect immediately with a reload. Memory tip: think "force the server, then lock the host" — the parameter forces SSL globally, and `hostssl` locks down the host-based authentication file.
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 using Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and wants to implement encryption in transit for all client connections. The security team has identified that some connections are not using SSL. Which TWO actions should the company take to enforce SSL for all connections?
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
Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group.
Options A and C are correct. Setting 'rds.force_ssl=1' in the parameter group forces the server to accept only SSL connections. Revoking non-SSL privileges (or modifying pg_hba.conf) ensures no non-SSL users can connect. Option B is unnecessary if the server enforces SSL. Option D is for client-side, not server-side. Option E is for client-side.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group.
Why this is correct
This parameter forces the PostgreSQL server to reject non-SSL connections.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Install the RDS CA certificate on all client machines.
Why it's wrong here
This enables trust but does not enforce SSL; the client could still connect without SSL.
- ✗
Create a new SSL certificate and associate it with the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
RDS uses a default SSL certificate; creating a new one is not required.
- ✗
Configure the application connection string to use 'sslmode=require'.
Why it's wrong here
This is a client-side setting; it does not enforce server-side.
- ✓
Modify the pg_hba.conf file to require SSL for all users by setting 'hostssl' entries.
Why this is correct
pg_hba.conf controls authentication; requiring SSL for all hosts enforces encryption.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group. — Options A and C are correct. Setting 'rds.force_ssl=1' in the parameter group forces the server to accept only SSL connections. Revoking non-SSL privileges (or modifying pg_hba.conf) ensures no non-SSL users can connect. Option B is unnecessary if the server enforces SSL. Option D is for client-side, not server-side. Option E is for client-side.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DBS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is using Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. The security team wants to ensure that all connections to the database are encrypted in transit. Currently, applications connect using the PostgreSQL native encryption (SSL/TLS). What is the MOST secure way to enforce encrypted connections?
easy- A.Configure the security group to only allow traffic on port 5432 from trusted IP addresses.
- B.Enable the 'force_ssl' parameter in the DB parameter group and restart the instance.
- C.Use a custom database port that is not commonly used, such as 5433, to avoid unencrypted traffic.
- ✓ D.Modify the DB parameter group to set 'ssl' to 'on' and 'require_ssl' to 'on', then reboot the instance.
Why D: Option C is correct because modifying the DB parameter group to set 'ssl' to 'on' and 'require_ssl' to 'on' forces all connections to use SSL. Option A is wrong because just enabling 'force_ssl' in the parameter group is not a valid parameter. Option B is wrong because the default security group does not enforce encryption. Option D is wrong because the database port does not affect encryption.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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