The correct answer is to modify the DB parameter group to enable query logging and publish those logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs. This works because PostgreSQL on RDS uses parameter group settings like `log_statement = 'all'` to capture every query, including SELECT statements, and then streams those logs to CloudWatch for security auditing. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between monitoring features: Enhanced Monitoring tracks OS metrics, Performance Insights shows database load, and automatic backups handle recovery—none log actual query text. A common trap is confusing Performance Insights with query logging, but Performance Insights only captures execution statistics, not the SQL strings themselves. To remember: if you need to see what was typed, you need `log_statement` in the parameter group, not just a dashboard. Think of it as "log the statement, not the stats."
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 RDS for PostgreSQL with Multi-AZ deployment. The security team wants to ensure that any access to the database is logged, including SELECT queries. What should be done to capture these logs?
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 parameter group to enable query logging and publish logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs.
Enabling RDS Enhanced Monitoring does not capture query logs. Enabling automatic backups does not log queries. Enabling RDS Performance Insights does not log queries. To capture SELECT queries, you need to enable PostgreSQL query logging by setting the appropriate parameter group parameters (e.g., log_statement = 'all' or 'mod') and then export logs to CloudWatch Logs.
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 parameter group to enable query logging and publish logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs.
Why this is correct
This captures query logs and stores them in CloudWatch.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable automated backups and export logs to Amazon S3.
Why it's wrong here
Backups do not contain query logs.
✗
Enable RDS Performance Insights.
Why it's wrong here
Performance Insights shows performance data, not full query text.
✗
Enable RDS Enhanced Monitoring.
Why it's wrong here
Enhanced Monitoring captures OS metrics, not SQL queries.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Performance Insights shows performance data, not full query text.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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 parameter group to enable query logging and publish logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs. — Enabling RDS Enhanced Monitoring does not capture query logs. Enabling automatic backups does not log queries. Enabling RDS Performance Insights does not log queries. To capture SELECT queries, you need to enable PostgreSQL query logging by setting the appropriate parameter group parameters (e.g., log_statement = 'all' or 'mod') and then export logs to CloudWatch Logs.
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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