- A
Create an encrypted read replica and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why wrong: A read replica inherits the encryption setting of the master; if the master is unencrypted, the replica cannot be encrypted.
- B
Modify the DB instance and enable encryption using the RDS console.
Why wrong: RDS does not allow enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted instance.
- C
Create a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
This is the standard method to migrate an unencrypted RDS instance to an encrypted one with minimal downtime.
- D
Enable encryption directly on the existing DB instance by modifying the DB instance settings.
Why wrong: Encryption cannot be enabled directly on an existing instance; a snapshot restore is required.
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 wants to encrypt data at rest for an existing Amazon RDS for Oracle DB instance. The database is currently unencrypted. What is the simplest way to enable encryption with minimal downtime?
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
Create a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
Option B is correct because you cannot directly enable encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance. You must create a snapshot, copy it with encryption enabled, and then restore the snapshot to a new encrypted instance. You then redirect traffic to the new instance. Option A is wrong because modifying the DB instance does not support enabling encryption. Option C is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing instance is not supported. Option D is wrong because creating a read replica does not encrypt the master instance, and the replica can only be encrypted if the master is already encrypted.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create an encrypted read replica and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why it's wrong here
A read replica inherits the encryption setting of the master; if the master is unencrypted, the replica cannot be encrypted.
- ✗
Modify the DB instance and enable encryption using the RDS console.
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not allow enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted instance.
- ✓
Create a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance.
Why this is correct
This is the standard method to migrate an unencrypted RDS instance to an encrypted one with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Enable encryption directly on the existing DB instance by modifying the DB instance settings.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption cannot be enabled directly on an existing instance; a snapshot restore is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. 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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore the encrypted snapshot to a new DB instance. — Option B is correct because you cannot directly enable encryption on an existing unencrypted RDS instance. You must create a snapshot, copy it with encryption enabled, and then restore the snapshot to a new encrypted instance. You then redirect traffic to the new instance. Option A is wrong because modifying the DB instance does not support enabling encryption. Option C is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing instance is not supported. Option D is wrong because creating a read replica does not encrypt the master instance, and the replica can only be encrypted if the master is already encrypted.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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