The correct answer requires three conditions: the IAM policy must specify the index ARN in the Resource element, include the `dynamodb:Select` condition key set to `INDEX`, and use the `dynamodb:IndexName` condition key to match the specific GSI name. This works because DynamoDB evaluates access at the resource level, so restricting the Resource ARN to the index itself—rather than the base table—prevents unauthorized queries, while the condition keys ensure the query actually targets that index and not a scan or other operation. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of fine-grained IAM controls for DynamoDB, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse attribute-level restrictions with index-level access. A common mistake is thinking `dynamodb:Attributes` limits GSI access, but that key only controls which attributes are projected or returned, not whether the index can be queried. Memory tip: think "ARN + Select + IndexName" as the triple lock for GSI access—without all three, the policy won't restrict the index itself.
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 uses Amazon DynamoDB with a global secondary index (GSI). The security team requires that only specific IAM users can query the GSI. Which THREE conditions must be met to restrict access to the GSI?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user must have permission to query the base table as well.
Options A, B, and D are correct. Option C is wrong because a condition with 'dynamodb:Attributes' does not restrict access to the GSI itself; it restricts projection of attributes. Option E is wrong because the index name must be specified in the resource ARN, not by a condition 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.
✗
The policy must include a condition 'dynamodb:IndexName' with the index name.
Why it's wrong here
The index name is specified in the resource ARN, not as a condition.
✗
The policy must include a condition key 'dynamodb:Attributes' to restrict which attributes are returned.
Why it's wrong here
This condition restricts projected attributes, not access to the index.
✓
The user must have permission to query the base table as well.
Why this is correct
Querying a GSI requires access to the base table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The policy must allow the 'dynamodb:Query' action on the index.
Why this is correct
Query action is needed to query the GSI.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The IAM policy must specify the index ARN in the Resource element.
Why this is correct
The resource must include the index ARN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: The user must have permission to query the base table as well. — Options A, B, and D are correct. Option C is wrong because a condition with 'dynamodb:Attributes' does not restrict access to the GSI itself; it restricts projection of attributes. Option E is wrong because the index name must be specified in the resource ARN, not by a condition 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.
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.