The correct approach is to use client-side encryption to encrypt only the non-key attributes, leaving the partition key and sort key in plaintext. This works because the AWS Encryption SDK allows you to selectively encrypt specific fields within an item, so you can protect sensitive data while keeping the key attributes unencrypted for DynamoDB to index and query. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that DynamoDB’s native encryption at rest (whether AWS-owned or KMS-managed) encrypts the entire table uniformly and cannot be applied to partial attributes, making client-side encryption the only way to achieve selective encryption while preserving query capability. A common trap is assuming that DynamoDB encryption at rest or a KMS key can be configured to leave keys searchable, but neither allows partial encryption. Memory tip: “Keys stay clear, data stays hidden” — the partition and sort keys must remain plaintext for the GSI to function, while client-side encryption protects everything else.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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) and client-side encryption using the AWS Encryption SDK. The security team requires that the partition key and sort key be searchable by the application but not stored in plaintext in the table. Which approach should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use client-side encryption to encrypt only the non-key attributes, leaving the partition and sort keys in plaintext.
Client-side encryption can encrypt certain attributes while leaving the key attributes in plaintext for querying. Option A is wrong because DynamoDB encryption at rest encrypts entire table, not selectively. Option B is wrong because making the table encrypted at rest does not allow search on encrypted keys. Option D is wrong because using a KMS key with DynamoDB encryption at rest still encrypts the whole table, not selectively.
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.
✗
Encrypt the entire item client-side and use a secondary index on the encrypted keys.
Why it's wrong here
Cannot query on encrypted keys.
✗
Use server-side encryption with a KMS key and enable DynamoDB Streams to decrypt on read.
Why it's wrong here
Server-side encryption does not allow search on encrypted keys.
✓
Use client-side encryption to encrypt only the non-key attributes, leaving the partition and sort keys in plaintext.
Why this is correct
This allows querying on keys while encrypting sensitive data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use DynamoDB encryption at rest with a customer-managed KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest encrypts all data, not selectively.
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: Use client-side encryption to encrypt only the non-key attributes, leaving the partition and sort keys in plaintext. — Client-side encryption can encrypt certain attributes while leaving the key attributes in plaintext for querying. Option A is wrong because DynamoDB encryption at rest encrypts entire table, not selectively. Option B is wrong because making the table encrypted at rest does not allow search on encrypted keys. Option D is wrong because using a KMS key with DynamoDB encryption at rest still encrypts the whole table, not selectively.
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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