The correct answer is to create a new DynamoDB table with SSE enabled using the AWS managed key, then export data from the existing table and import into the new table. This is necessary because DynamoDB does not allow you to change the encryption key on an existing table—the encryption setting is immutable at table creation. When you need to change a DynamoDB encryption key from customer managed to AWS managed, you must provision a new table with the desired key type and migrate the data, typically using AWS Backup, DynamoDB Export to S3, or a manual scan and write process. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DynamoDB’s encryption lifecycle and the fact that SSE-KMS settings are write-once. A common trap is assuming you can simply modify the table’s KMS key or delete the old key, but doing so would either be rejected or break access to existing data. Memory tip: “Encryption is set in stone—build a new home to change the lock.”
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.
Network Topology
A security auditor notices that the DynamoDB table 'UserData' is encrypted with a KMS key (exhibit). The company policy requires that all DynamoDB tables use an AWS managed key for encryption. What must be done to comply with the policy?
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 DynamoDB table with SSE enabled using the AWS managed key, then export data from the existing table and import into the new table.
Option A is correct because you cannot change the encryption key of an existing table; you must create a new table with the AWS managed key and migrate data. Option B is wrong because you cannot change the key on an existing table. Option C is wrong because deleting the key would break access. Option D is wrong because the table is already encrypted, just not with the required key.
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.
✓
Create a new DynamoDB table with SSE enabled using the AWS managed key, then export data from the existing table and import into the new table.
Why this is correct
Key can only be set at creation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Delete the customer managed KMS key and recreate it as an AWS managed key.
Why it's wrong here
AWS managed keys cannot be created by users.
✗
Modify the table's SSE configuration to use the AWS managed key.
Why it's wrong here
SSE configuration cannot be modified after table creation.
✗
Use the UpdateTable API to change the KMS key to the AWS managed key.
Why it's wrong here
UpdateTable does not support changing encryption key.
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 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.
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.
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: Create a new DynamoDB table with SSE enabled using the AWS managed key, then export data from the existing table and import into the new table. — Option A is correct because you cannot change the encryption key of an existing table; you must create a new table with the AWS managed key and migrate data. Option B is wrong because you cannot change the key on an existing table. Option C is wrong because deleting the key would break access. Option D is wrong because the table is already encrypted, just not with the required key.
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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Question Discussion
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