The correct answer is that creating a new DB instance named 'prod-db' will be allowed. This is because IAM policy evaluation follows an explicit deny override, but the deny statement here is scoped specifically to the DeleteDBInstance action on resources with the 'prod-' prefix, not to CreateDBInstance. Since the Allow statement grants CreateDBInstance on all resources, the action is permitted—the Deny only blocks deletion, not creation. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this tests your understanding of how IAM policy evaluation logic works, especially the principle that a Deny only applies to the exact actions and resources it specifies. A common trap is assuming a Deny on one action for a resource blocks all actions on that resource; it does not. Memory tip: Deny is a sniper, not a shotgun—it only hits the action it names.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a new DB instance named 'prod-db'.
Option D is correct. The policy allows DescribeDBInstances and CreateDBInstance on all resources. The Deny statement only denies DeleteDBInstance on databases with the prefix 'prod-'. Therefore, creating a new DB instance named 'prod-db' is allowed because the Deny only applies to DeleteDBInstance, not CreateDBInstance. Option A is incorrect because deleting any database with prefix 'prod-' is denied. Option B is incorrect because deleting 'test-db' is allowed (no deny), but the question asks for an action that is allowed. Option C is incorrect because deleting 'dev-db' is allowed, but again the question expects a specific allowed action. Option D is correct because CreateDBInstance is allowed.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Delete a DB instance named 'prod-db'.
Why it's wrong here
Delete is denied for any database with prefix 'prod-'.
✓
Create a new DB instance named 'prod-db'.
Why this is correct
CreateDBInstance is allowed by the Allow statement.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Delete a DB instance named 'test-db'.
Why it's wrong here
While delete is allowed for 'test-db', the question asks for an action that is allowed; however, Option D is more clearly allowed.
✗
Delete a DB instance named 'dev-db'.
Why it's wrong here
Similar to B, but D is a better answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Similar to B, but D is a better answer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new DB instance named 'prod-db'. — Option D is correct. The policy allows DescribeDBInstances and CreateDBInstance on all resources. The Deny statement only denies DeleteDBInstance on databases with the prefix 'prod-'. Therefore, creating a new DB instance named 'prod-db' is allowed because the Deny only applies to DeleteDBInstance, not CreateDBInstance. Option A is incorrect because deleting any database with prefix 'prod-' is denied. Option B is incorrect because deleting 'test-db' is allowed (no deny), but the question asks for an action that is allowed. Option C is incorrect because deleting 'dev-db' is allowed, but again the question expects a specific allowed action. Option D is correct because CreateDBInstance is allowed.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A database administrator has the IAM policy shown in the exhibit. Which action will be allowed by this policy?
hard
A.Modify the prod-db instance.
✓ B.Create a snapshot of the prod-db instance.
C.Delete the prod-db instance.
D.Describe all DB instances in the account.
Why B: Option B is correct. The policy explicitly allows CreateDBSnapshot on the resource. Option A is denied. Option C is not in the policy. Option D is not in the policy.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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This DBS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DBS-C01 exam.
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