Question 1,725 of 1,663
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
A developer needs to allow an application running on EC2 to access an Amazon RDS database without storing database credentials in the application code. Which solution is the MOST secure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume that any solution using a secrets vault (Parameter Store or Secrets Manager) is the most secure, but IAM database authentication avoids credentials entirely, making it more secure.
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
✓
Use IAM database authentication for the RDS instance and assign an IAM role to the EC2 instance.
IAM database authentication allows the EC2 instance to use an IAM role to authenticate to the RDS database, eliminating the need to store any credentials in the application code. This is the most secure method. Options B and C still rely on storing and retrieving a password, which introduces risk. Option D stores credentials in a config file, which is insecure.
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 IAM database authentication for the RDS instance and assign an IAM role to the EC2 instance.
Why this is correct
Correct. IAM database authentication uses IAM roles to grant access without passwords, eliminating credential storage.
- ✗
Store the database password in AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store as a SecureString.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While Parameter Store stores secrets securely, the application still retrieves a password that can be exposed in memory or logs.
- ✗
Store the database password in the application configuration file.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Secrets Manager with rotation reduces risk but still requires the application to have a password at runtime, which is less secure than passwordless authentication.
- ✗
Store the database password in AWS Secrets Manager and enable automatic rotation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Storing credentials in the application configuration file is insecure and violates best practices.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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