This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security administrator is setting up a new Amazon RDS for SQL Server database. The company requires that all data be encrypted at rest and in transit. Additionally, the database must be accessible only from a specific CIDR range. Which TWO actions should the administrator take? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable encryption at rest using AWS KMS.
Options A and D are correct. Option A: Enabling encryption at rest is a requirement. Option D: Configuring the security group to allow inbound traffic from the specific CIDR range meets the network access restriction. Option B is wrong because encryption in transit is typically handled by the database engine (SSL/TLS), not by an RDS option. Option C is wrong because the DB parameter group does not control network access. Option E is wrong because encryption at rest uses KMS, not CloudHSM by default.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable encryption in transit by modifying the RDS option group to include SSL.
Why it's wrong here
SSL is configured via the DB parameter group or client side, not the option group for SQL Server.
✗
Modify the DB parameter group to restrict network access.
Why it's wrong here
Parameter groups do not control network access.
✗
Use AWS CloudHSM to manage encryption keys for the database.
Why it's wrong here
RDS encryption at rest uses KMS; CloudHSM is not directly supported for RDS encryption at rest.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DBS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable encryption at rest using AWS KMS. — Options A and D are correct. Option A: Enabling encryption at rest is a requirement. Option D: Configuring the security group to allow inbound traffic from the specific CIDR range meets the network access restriction. Option B is wrong because encryption in transit is typically handled by the database engine (SSL/TLS), not by an RDS option. Option C is wrong because the DB parameter group does not control network access. Option E is wrong because encryption at rest uses KMS, not CloudHSM by default.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DBS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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