The correct answer is to modify the RDS PostgreSQL parameter group to set `rds.force_ssl` to 1 and to update the security group to restrict inbound traffic on port 5432 to only those connections using the `--ssl` option. This combination enforces encryption in transit because the parameter group setting forces the PostgreSQL server to reject unencrypted connections, while the security group rule ensures that only clients initiating an SSL handshake can reach the database port. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth for transport layer security, often appearing as a two-part answer where you must distinguish between encryption enforcement (parameter group) and network-level access control (security group). A common trap is confusing IAM roles or changing the default port with encryption requirements—neither addresses transport encryption. Memory tip: think "SSL starts at the server (parameter group) and is locked at the door (security group)."
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 financial company uses Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL with a custom parameter group. The security team wants to ensure that all connections to the database are encrypted in transit. Which combination of actions should the database administrator take? (Select TWO.)
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 custom parameter group.
Options A and B are correct because setting rds.force_ssl to 1 forces SSL connections, and requiring SSL in the security group allows only encrypted traffic. Option C is wrong because the default PostgreSQL port is 5432, and changing it does not enforce encryption. Option D is wrong because disabling SSL in the parameter group would prevent encrypted connections. Option E is wrong because IAM roles are for authentication, not transport encryption.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Attach an IAM role to the RDS instance to authenticate users.
Why it's wrong here
IAM roles provide authentication, not encryption in transit.
✗
Change the database port to 8432 to use a non-standard port.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the port does not enforce encryption.
✗
Set 'ssl' to 'off' in the parameter group.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SSL would allow unencrypted connections.
✓
Set the parameter 'rds.force_ssl' to 1 in the custom parameter group.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Modify the security group to allow inbound traffic only on port 5432 with the '--ssl' option.
Why this is correct
Security groups can restrict traffic; using SSL option ensures encrypted connections.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the parameter 'rds.force_ssl' to 1 in the custom parameter group. — Options A and B are correct because setting rds.force_ssl to 1 forces SSL connections, and requiring SSL in the security group allows only encrypted traffic. Option C is wrong because the default PostgreSQL port is 5432, and changing it does not enforce encryption. Option D is wrong because disabling SSL in the parameter group would prevent encrypted connections. Option E is wrong because IAM roles are for authentication, not transport encryption.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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