The correct approach is to use an IAM policy that denies the rds:CreateDBInstance action unless the rds:StorageEncrypted condition key is set to true. This works because IAM policies are evaluated before any resource is created, allowing you to enforce encryption at rest for new RDS instances at the API level by explicitly blocking any creation request that lacks the encryption flag. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of preventive versus detective controls—a common trap is confusing IAM-based enforcement with post-creation detection tools like AWS Config or CloudWatch Events. Remember that IAM conditions act as a gatekeeper, while services like Config only report violations after the fact. A useful memory tip: think of the IAM policy as a bouncer at the door who checks for the encryption ID before letting the instance in, whereas Config is the security camera that catches rule-breakers after they’ve already entered.
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 wants to enforce that all new Amazon RDS DB instances are created with encryption at rest enabled. 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 an IAM policy that denies the rds:CreateDBInstance action unless rds:StorageEncrypted is set to true.
Option B is correct because an IAM policy with a condition on rds:StorageEncrypted can deny creation of unencrypted instances. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch Events can trigger a remediation Lambda but does not prevent creation. Option C is wrong because AWS Config can detect noncompliant instances but does not enforce at creation time. Option D is wrong because RDS does not have a default encryption setting at the account level.
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.
✓
Use an IAM policy that denies the rds:CreateDBInstance action unless rds:StorageEncrypted is set to true.
Why this is correct
This preventive control enforces encryption at creation time via IAM conditions.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to detect unencrypted instance creation and automatically delete them.
Why it's wrong here
This is reactive and not a preventive control.
✗
Use AWS Config rules to mark unencrypted instances as noncompliant.
Why it's wrong here
This is detective, not preventive.
✗
Enable encryption by default in the RDS console.
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not have an account-level default encryption setting.
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 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.
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.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use an IAM policy that denies the rds:CreateDBInstance action unless rds:StorageEncrypted is set to true. — Option B is correct because an IAM policy with a condition on rds:StorageEncrypted can deny creation of unencrypted instances. Option A is wrong because CloudWatch Events can trigger a remediation Lambda but does not prevent creation. Option C is wrong because AWS Config can detect noncompliant instances but does not enforce at creation time. Option D is wrong because RDS does not have a default encryption setting at the account level.
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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Question Discussion
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