The correct answer is to set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group. This works because Amazon RDS for SQL Server uses a specific parameter within its custom DB parameter group to enforce encrypted connections; once this parameter is applied and the instance is rebooted, the database engine will reject any non-SSL connections at the protocol level. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of how RDS security controls are layered—many candidates mistakenly think security groups or option groups handle SSL enforcement, but security groups only filter IP traffic and option groups manage features like Transparent Data Encryption, not connection encryption. A common trap is confusing network-level controls with database-level configuration; remember that SSL enforcement for RDS SQL Server is always a parameter group setting, not a network rule. Memory tip: think "force SSL" as a parameter you force into the parameter group, not a security group rule.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 team is auditing an Amazon RDS for SQL Server DB instance. They notice that SSL connections are not enforced. Which configuration change will enforce SSL for all connections?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group.
Option D is correct because for RDS SQL Server, you can enforce SSL by setting the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group. Option A is wrong because security groups allow traffic but do not enforce SSL. Option B is wrong because the option group manages features like TDE, not SSL enforcement. Option C is wrong because the DB subnet group defines network subnets, not SSL.
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.
✗
Modify the security group to only allow inbound traffic on port 443.
Why it's wrong here
SSL for SQL Server uses port 1433, not 443. Security groups do not enforce encryption.
✗
Add the SQL Server SSL option to the option group.
Why it's wrong here
The option group does not have a setting to enforce SSL; it is handled by the parameter group.
✓
Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group.
Why this is correct
This parameter forces SSL connections to the SQL Server DB instance.
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 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 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: Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group. — Option D is correct because for RDS SQL Server, you can enforce SSL by setting the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group. Option A is wrong because security groups allow traffic but do not enforce SSL. Option B is wrong because the option group manages features like TDE, not SSL enforcement. Option C is wrong because the DB subnet group defines network subnets, not SSL.
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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