The correct answer is to create a new KMS key with a key policy that grants access only to the Redshift cluster's IAM role. This configuration works because Redshift uses the cluster’s associated IAM role to call KMS for encryption operations, so by restricting the key policy to that specific role, you effectively lock the key to that single cluster. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how KMS key policies interact with Redshift’s IAM-based authorization, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse cluster subnet groups or default AWS-managed keys with customer-managed control. A common mistake is assuming an HSM or subnet group can enforce key restriction, but only the key policy’s principal element can limit usage. Memory tip: think “key policy = bouncer, IAM role = VIP pass” — only the role holding the pass gets the cluster into the encryption club.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Redshift for data warehousing. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed AWS KMS key. Additionally, the team wants to ensure that the key must be used only for this specific Redshift cluster. Which configuration should be applied?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a new KMS key with a key policy that grants access only to the Redshift cluster's IAM role.
Option D is correct because Redshift uses KMS keys for encryption; a cluster-specific key can be created and used. Option A is wrong because default KMS key is AWS managed, not customer-managed. Option B is wrong because cluster subnet group does not affect encryption. Option C is wrong because HSM is not used for Redshift encryption.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create a new KMS key and associate it with the Redshift cluster's subnet group.
Why it's wrong here
Subnet group does not affect encryption key association.
✓
Create a new KMS key with a key policy that grants access only to the Redshift cluster's IAM role.
Why this is correct
KMS key can be restricted to a specific role used by Redshift.
Redshift does not support CloudHSM for encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DBS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new KMS key with a key policy that grants access only to the Redshift cluster's IAM role. — Option D is correct because Redshift uses KMS keys for encryption; a cluster-specific key can be created and used. Option A is wrong because default KMS key is AWS managed, not customer-managed. Option B is wrong because cluster subnet group does not affect encryption. Option C is wrong because HSM is not used for Redshift encryption.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DBS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.