The correct step is to enable automatic KMS key rotation for the customer-managed key, as this satisfies the annual key rotation requirement without manual intervention. AWS Key Management Service (KMS) automatic key rotation automatically rotates the key material every year for customer-managed CMKs, ensuring that the encryption keys used for RDS Oracle encryption at rest are refreshed on schedule. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between automatic and manual key rotation, as well as the integration of KMS with RDS encryption. A common trap is confusing manual rotation—which requires creating a new key and updating the RDS instance—with the simpler automatic rotation option, or incorrectly assuming CloudHSM or option groups handle rotation. Memory tip: think “auto-rotate annually” for KMS customer-managed keys, and remember that only automatic rotation meets a recurring yearly policy without extra steps.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
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 company is migrating its on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The database contains sensitive data that must be encrypted at rest and in transit. The security team also requires that the encryption keys be rotated every year. The DBA has enabled encryption at rest using a customer-managed KMS key and SSL/TLS for in-transit encryption. What additional step is needed to meet the key rotation requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable automatic KMS key rotation for the customer-managed key.
Option B is correct because KMS automatic key rotation rotates the key material annually. Option A is wrong because manual rotation requires creating a new key and updating the RDS instance. Option C is wrong because CloudHSM is not used with RDS. Option D is wrong because the option group does not control key rotation.
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.
✗
Manually create a new KMS key every year and update the RDS instance to use the new key.
Why it's wrong here
Manual rotation is possible but not automatic; also requires updating the instance.
✗
Configure the RDS option group to rotate the encryption key.
Why it's wrong here
Option group does not handle key rotation.
✗
Use an AWS CloudHSM key and configure automatic rotation.
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM does not integrate with RDS encryption.
✓
Enable automatic KMS key rotation for the customer-managed key.
Why this is correct
KMS can rotate the key automatically every year.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. 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. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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: Enable automatic KMS key rotation for the customer-managed key. — Option B is correct because KMS automatic key rotation rotates the key material annually. Option A is wrong because manual rotation requires creating a new key and updating the RDS instance. Option C is wrong because CloudHSM is not used with RDS. Option D is wrong because the option group does not control key rotation.
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.
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Question Discussion
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