- A
Encryption is optional and can be enabled during table creation.
Why wrong: Encryption is not optional; it is always on.
- B
Encryption is disabled by default and must be enabled manually.
Why wrong: DynamoDB tables are encrypted by default.
- C
Encryption is enabled by default using an AWS-owned key.
Default encryption uses AWS-owned KMS keys.
- D
Encryption is enabled by default using a customer-managed key.
Why wrong: Customer-managed keys must be specified explicitly.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that DynamoDB default encryption at rest is enabled by default using an AWS-owned key. This means every new DynamoDB table automatically encrypts all data at rest without any configuration required, as the AWS-owned key is managed and rotated by AWS on your behalf, providing a seamless security baseline. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of DynamoDB’s default security posture, often appearing as a trick question where candidates mistakenly think encryption is optional or requires a customer-managed key. A common trap is confusing AWS-owned keys with AWS managed keys—remember that AWS-owned keys are used by default and cannot be viewed or managed in your account, while customer-managed keys require explicit setup. For a quick memory tip, think "DynamoDB defaults to AWS-owned, no setup needed."
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 using Amazon DynamoDB and wants to ensure that all data is automatically encrypted at rest. What is the default encryption status for a new DynamoDB table?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Encryption is enabled by default using an AWS-owned key.
Option B is correct because all new DynamoDB tables are encrypted at rest by default using an AWS-owned key. Option A is wrong because encryption is enabled by default. Option C is wrong because the default key is AWS-owned, not a customer-managed key. Option D is wrong because encryption is not optional; it is always enabled.
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.
- ✗
Encryption is optional and can be enabled during table creation.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is not optional; it is always on.
- ✗
Encryption is disabled by default and must be enabled manually.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB tables are encrypted by default.
- ✓
Encryption is enabled by default using an AWS-owned key.
Why this is correct
Default encryption uses AWS-owned KMS keys.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Encryption is enabled by default using a customer-managed key.
Why it's wrong here
Customer-managed keys must be specified explicitly.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Encryption is enabled by default using an AWS-owned key. — Option B is correct because all new DynamoDB tables are encrypted at rest by default using an AWS-owned key. Option A is wrong because encryption is enabled by default. Option C is wrong because the default key is AWS-owned, not a customer-managed key. Option D is wrong because encryption is not optional; it is always enabled.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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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