- A
Modify the read replica by setting the StorageEncrypted parameter to true.
Why wrong: You cannot modify an existing unencrypted read replica to enable encryption.
- B
Delete the unencrypted read replica and create a new read replica from the encrypted source, enabling encryption on the new replica.
This ensures the new read replica is encrypted, and the source is already encrypted.
- C
Enable encryption on the source DB instance and the read replica will automatically become encrypted.
Why wrong: You cannot enable encryption on an existing source instance; also, read replicas do not automatically inherit encryption if created unencrypted.
- D
Create a snapshot of the read replica, encrypt the snapshot, and restore it as a new instance.
Why wrong: This would create a new instance, but the read replica would still exist; also, you cannot encrypt a snapshot of an unencrypted instance unless you copy it.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
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.
A security engineer runs the AWS CLI command shown in the exhibit. The engineer wants to ensure that all RDS DB instances in the account are encrypted at rest. What should the engineer do to remediate the unencrypted read replica?
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
Delete the unencrypted read replica and create a new read replica from the encrypted source, enabling encryption on the new replica.
Option D is correct because the read replica is unencrypted, and to encrypt it, you must create a new encrypted read replica from the encrypted source. Option A is wrong because modifying the replica directly does not support enabling encryption. Option B is wrong because you cannot encrypt an existing read replica in place. Option C is wrong because the source is encrypted, so the new replica can be encrypted.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Modify the read replica by setting the StorageEncrypted parameter to true.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot modify an existing unencrypted read replica to enable encryption.
- ✓
Delete the unencrypted read replica and create a new read replica from the encrypted source, enabling encryption on the new replica.
Why this is correct
This ensures the new read replica is encrypted, and the source is already encrypted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable encryption on the source DB instance and the read replica will automatically become encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot enable encryption on an existing source instance; also, read replicas do not automatically inherit encryption if created unencrypted.
- ✗
Create a snapshot of the read replica, encrypt the snapshot, and restore it as a new instance.
Why it's wrong here
This would create a new instance, but the read replica would still exist; also, you cannot encrypt a snapshot of an unencrypted instance unless you copy it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Delete the unencrypted read replica and create a new read replica from the encrypted source, enabling encryption on the new replica. — Option D is correct because the read replica is unencrypted, and to encrypt it, you must create a new encrypted read replica from the encrypted source. Option A is wrong because modifying the replica directly does not support enabling encryption. Option B is wrong because you cannot encrypt an existing read replica in place. Option C is wrong because the source is encrypted, so the new replica can be encrypted.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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