- A
Modify the DB instance by enabling the 'Require SSL' option in the RDS console.
Why wrong: There is no 'Require SSL' option in the RDS console for SQL Server; SSL enforcement is done via parameter group.
- B
Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group and revoke permissions from users that do not use SSL.
This combination ensures that all connections must use SSL, providing complete enforcement.
- C
Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group.
Why wrong: While this parameter enforces SSL, the explanation is incomplete because you also need to revoke non-SSL permissions for full enforcement.
- D
Configure the applications to use a certificate from a trusted certificate authority and connect using SSL.
Why wrong: This ensures that applications use SSL, but it does not enforce SSL for all connections; non-SSL connections are still possible.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to set the parameter `rds.force_ssl` to 1 in the DB parameter group and revoke permissions from users that do not use SSL. This works because `rds.force_ssl` is a static parameter that, when enabled, instructs the SQL Server engine to reject any non-encrypted connection at the protocol level, while revoking non-SSL permissions from database logins closes any loophole where a user could bypass the enforced encryption. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that SSL/TLS enforcement on RDS SQL Server is managed through parameter groups, not instance-level toggles or external certificate authorities—a common trap is assuming you need to import a custom CA, but RDS provides its own certificate bundle. Remember the mnemonic: “Force SSL, revoke the rest” to ensure every connection is encrypted.
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 uses Amazon RDS for SQL Server with Multi-AZ deployment. The security team has mandated that all connections to the database must use SSL/TLS. The database is accessed by multiple applications running on EC2 instances. Which configuration ensures that all connections use SSL/TLS?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group and revoke permissions from users that do not use SSL.
Option D is correct because to enforce SSL/TLS for all connections, you need to set the rds.force_ssl parameter to 1 in the RDS parameter group, which forces all connections to use SSL. Additionally, you should revoke non-SSL permissions from the database users. Option A is wrong because modifying the DB instance to require SSL is not a direct setting; the parameter group controls this. Option B is wrong because using a certificate authority is not required; RDS provides a certificate. Option C is wrong because setting the parameter is the correct method, but you also need to revoke non-SSL permissions to fully enforce.
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 by enabling the 'Require SSL' option in the RDS console.
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'Require SSL' option in the RDS console for SQL Server; SSL enforcement is done via parameter group.
- ✓
Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group and revoke permissions from users that do not use SSL.
Why this is correct
This combination ensures that all connections must use SSL, providing complete enforcement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group.
Why it's wrong here
While this parameter enforces SSL, the explanation is incomplete because you also need to revoke non-SSL permissions for full enforcement.
- ✗
Configure the applications to use a certificate from a trusted certificate authority and connect using SSL.
Why it's wrong here
This ensures that applications use SSL, but it does not enforce SSL for all connections; non-SSL connections are still possible.
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Database Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All DBS-C01 questions
1,730 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
DBS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related DBS-C01 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Workload-Specific Database Design practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Workload-Specific Database Design.
Deployment and Migration practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Deployment and Migration.
Management and Operations practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Management and Operations.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Monitoring and Troubleshooting.
Database Security practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Database Security.
DBS-C01 fundamentals practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 fundamentals.
DBS-C01 scenario practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 scenario.
DBS-C01 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free DBS-C01 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Set the parameter rds.force_ssl to 1 in the DB parameter group and revoke permissions from users that do not use SSL. — Option D is correct because to enforce SSL/TLS for all connections, you need to set the rds.force_ssl parameter to 1 in the RDS parameter group, which forces all connections to use SSL. Additionally, you should revoke non-SSL permissions from the database users. Option A is wrong because modifying the DB instance to require SSL is not a direct setting; the parameter group controls this. Option B is wrong because using a certificate authority is not required; RDS provides a certificate. Option C is wrong because setting the parameter is the correct method, but you also need to revoke non-SSL permissions to fully enforce.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.