The correct answer is to create a CloudWatch Logs metric filter on the CloudTrail log group to detect unauthorized access attempts and set up a CloudWatch alarm. This works because CloudTrail captures all DynamoDB API calls, including queries that return no results, and streams those logs to a CloudWatch Logs group; a metric filter then scans those logs for specific patterns—like ErrorCode entries for AccessDenied—and converts matches into a CloudWatch metric, which triggers an alarm for immediate alerting. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that comprehensive DynamoDB auditing and alerting requires monitoring the data plane events captured by CloudTrail, not just performance metrics or point-in-time recovery. A common trap is choosing to enable DynamoDB Streams or AWS Config, but those miss the real-time alerting on access patterns. Memory tip: think “Filter and Alarm” for access—CloudWatch Logs filters the trail, then alarms on the fail.
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.
A company is using Amazon DynamoDB to store financial transactions. The security team requires that all access to the table be logged for auditing, and that any unauthorized access attempts trigger an immediate alert. The company has enabled AWS CloudTrail to log all DynamoDB API calls. However, the security team is concerned that CloudTrail logs may not capture all access patterns, such as queries that return no results. Which additional step should the company take to ensure comprehensive auditing and alerting?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a CloudWatch Logs metric filter on the CloudTrail log group to detect unauthorized access attempts and set up a CloudWatch alarm.
Option B is correct because CloudWatch Logs can be used to monitor CloudTrail logs and trigger alerts on specific patterns like unauthorized access. Option A only monitors performance, not access. Option C does not monitor access. Option D may miss some operations.
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.
✗
Configure Amazon Inspector to assess the DynamoDB table for vulnerabilities.
Why it's wrong here
Amazon Inspector is for vulnerability assessment, not real-time access monitoring.
✗
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) and configure it to log all read requests.
Why it's wrong here
DAX is a caching layer, not an auditing tool.
✓
Create a CloudWatch Logs metric filter on the CloudTrail log group to detect unauthorized access attempts and set up a CloudWatch alarm.
Why this is correct
CloudWatch Logs can analyze CloudTrail logs and trigger alarms based on patterns.
Enable VPC Flow Logs on the subnet where DynamoDB endpoints are deployed.
Why it's wrong here
VPC Flow Logs capture IP traffic metadata, not DynamoDB API calls.
Common exam traps
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 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 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: Create a CloudWatch Logs metric filter on the CloudTrail log group to detect unauthorized access attempts and set up a CloudWatch alarm. — Option B is correct because CloudWatch Logs can be used to monitor CloudTrail logs and trigger alerts on specific patterns like unauthorized access. Option A only monitors performance, not access. Option C does not monitor access. Option D may miss some operations.
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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