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.
Network Topology
A database administrator is troubleshooting connectivity to an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance. The application is running on an EC2 instance in the same VPC and security group. The application can connect using the endpoint shown in the exhibit. However, the security team requires that all connections be encrypted using SSL. The DBA has enabled SSL on the DB instance and modified the parameter group to set require_secure_transport to ON. The application is now failing to connect. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The application's JDBC connection string does not include SSL parameters such as useSSL=true.
Option C is correct. When require_secure_transport is set to ON, the database server rejects non-SSL connections. The application must be configured to use SSL by adding the useSSL=true and requireSSL=true parameters to the JDBC connection string. Option A is incorrect because the security group does not need to allow port 3307; SSL uses the same port. Option B is incorrect because the endpoint is a DNS name, not an IP address. Option D is incorrect because the user account does not need the SSL privilege if the server enforces SSL.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 DB instance endpoint is not resolving to the correct IP address.
Why it's wrong here
The endpoint is a valid DNS name; resolution is not the issue.
✗
The database user account does not have the SSL privilege granted.
Why it's wrong here
When require_secure_transport is ON, all users must use SSL; no separate privilege is needed.
✓
The application's JDBC connection string does not include SSL parameters such as useSSL=true.
Why this is correct
The application must explicitly request SSL connections; otherwise, the server rejects the connection.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The security group does not allow inbound traffic on port 3307, which is used for SSL connections.
Why it's wrong here
SSL uses the same port (3306 for MySQL), not a different port.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The application's JDBC connection string does not include SSL parameters such as useSSL=true. — Option C is correct. When require_secure_transport is set to ON, the database server rejects non-SSL connections. The application must be configured to use SSL by adding the useSSL=true and requireSSL=true parameters to the JDBC connection string. Option A is incorrect because the security group does not need to allow port 3307; SSL uses the same port. Option B is incorrect because the endpoint is a DNS name, not an IP address. Option D is incorrect because the user account does not need the SSL privilege if the server enforces SSL.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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