The answer is no, DynamoDB GSI encryption uses the same KMS key as the base table, and this cannot be changed. DynamoDB encrypts all data at rest—including the base table and every global secondary index—using a single AWS KMS key per table, because the GSI is not a separate storage entity but a logical projection of the table’s data. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept often appears as a trap where candidates assume they can apply per-index encryption policies, but DynamoDB’s architecture simply does not support it. The key takeaway is that encryption is applied at the table level, not the index level, so any KMS key change affects the entire table and all its GSIs uniformly. A useful memory tip: think of the GSI as a read-only copy of the table’s data—it inherits the same encryption key, just like a photocopy inherits the same ink as the original document.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 uses Amazon DynamoDB with a global secondary index (GSI) on a table that contains sensitive data. The security team requires that the GSI be encrypted with a different AWS KMS key than the base table. Can this be achieved, and if so, how?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
No, DynamoDB encrypts the entire table and all its indexes with the same KMS key.
Option C is correct because DynamoDB encrypts all data at rest using a single KMS key per table. The base table and all of its GSIs are encrypted with the same key. It is not possible to use a different KMS key for a GSI. Option A is wrong because the GSI cannot have a separate key. Option B is wrong because KMS key policies do not allow per-index encryption. Option D is wrong because the table and its GSIs always use the same key.
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.
✗
Yes, by using a custom KMS key policy that differentiates between table and index.
Why it's wrong here
KMS key policies cannot be used to differentiate between table and index encryption.
✗
Yes, by specifying a different KMS key ID when creating the GSI.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB does not support per-index KMS keys.
✓
No, DynamoDB encrypts the entire table and all its indexes with the same KMS key.
Why this is correct
DynamoDB uses one KMS key for the table and all associated indexes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
No, but you can use a different KMS key for the table and then the GSI will automatically use a different key.
Why it's wrong here
The GSI uses the same key as the table.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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
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: No, DynamoDB encrypts the entire table and all its indexes with the same KMS key. — Option C is correct because DynamoDB encrypts all data at rest using a single KMS key per table. The base table and all of its GSIs are encrypted with the same key. It is not possible to use a different KMS key for a GSI. Option A is wrong because the GSI cannot have a separate key. Option B is wrong because KMS key policies do not allow per-index encryption. Option D is wrong because the table and its GSIs always use the same key.
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.
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Question Discussion
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