The correct answer is to modify the DB instance to require SSL/TLS connections and update the application connection string to use SSL. This configuration encrypts data in transit for RDS MySQL by forcing all new connections to use Transport Layer Security, which wraps the database traffic in an encrypted tunnel between the application and the database server. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between encryption at rest and encryption in transit, a common trap where candidates confuse enabling RDS encryption (which only protects stored data) with SSL enforcement. A frequent distractor is VPC peering or IAM authentication, which do not encrypt the network layer. Remember the memory tip: "SSL secures the stream, at rest is for the disk team."
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 an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance to store sensitive customer data. A security audit reveals that all database traffic between the application and the database is transmitted in plaintext. Which configuration change would encrypt data in transit for new connections?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the DB instance to require SSL/TLS connections and update the application connection string to use SSL.
Enabling SSL/TLS for the RDS DB instance encrypts data in transit. Once enabled, clients can connect using SSL/TLS. Option A is incorrect because RDS encryption at rest does not affect data in transit. Option B is incorrect because VPC peering does not encrypt traffic. Option D is incorrect because enabling IAM database authentication does not encrypt the connection.
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.
✓
Modify the DB instance to require SSL/TLS connections and update the application connection string to use SSL.
Why this is correct
This encrypts data in transit for new connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure the DB instance to be in a VPC with a VPC peering connection to the application's VPC.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering does not encrypt traffic.
✗
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS DB instance using AWS KMS.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest does not encrypt data in transit.
✗
Enable IAM database authentication for the DB instance.
Why it's wrong here
IAM authentication does not encrypt connections.
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 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.
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: Modify the DB instance to require SSL/TLS connections and update the application connection string to use SSL. — Enabling SSL/TLS for the RDS DB instance encrypts data in transit. Once enabled, clients can connect using SSL/TLS. Option A is incorrect because RDS encryption at rest does not affect data in transit. Option B is incorrect because VPC peering does not encrypt traffic. Option D is incorrect because enabling IAM database authentication does not encrypt the connection.
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.
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.