The correct answer is to use IAM policies to restrict access to the table based on the principle of least privilege, alongside enabling encryption at rest with AWS KMS and activating point-in-time recovery (PITR). These three practices form the core of DynamoDB security best practices because they address access control, data protection at rest, and disaster recovery—each a distinct pillar of the shared responsibility model. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish security controls from performance or configuration settings; a common trap is confusing item size limits (a performance consideration) with a security measure, or assuming DynamoDB tables can be made publicly accessible (they are private by default). Remember the mnemonic “IAM, KMS, PITR” to recall the three pillars of DynamoDB security: Identity, Encryption, and Recovery.
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.
Which THREE of the following are best practices for securing an Amazon DynamoDB table? (Select THREE.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable point-in-time recovery (PITR) to protect against accidental writes or deletes.
Options A, C, and D are correct. IAM policies should be used to grant least privilege. DynamoDB supports encryption at rest with KMS. Point-in-time recovery (PITR) is a security best practice for data protection. Option B (public access) is not a security best practice; DynamoDB tables are private by default. Option E (limiting item size) is a performance consideration, not a security best practice.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Enable point-in-time recovery (PITR) to protect against accidental writes or deletes.
Why this is correct
PITR allows restoring to any point within the last 35 days.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Enable encryption at rest using AWS KMS.
Why this is correct
Encryption at rest protects data if the underlying storage is compromised.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Enable public access to the table to allow easy data sharing.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB tables are private and should not be made publicly accessible.
✓
Use IAM policies to restrict access to the table based on the principle of least privilege.
Why this is correct
IAM policies are the primary mechanism for access control.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Limit the maximum item size to 100 KB to reduce storage costs.
Why it's wrong here
Item size limit is a design consideration, not a security best practice.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable point-in-time recovery (PITR) to protect against accidental writes or deletes. — Options A, C, and D are correct. IAM policies should be used to grant least privilege. DynamoDB supports encryption at rest with KMS. Point-in-time recovery (PITR) is a security best practice for data protection. Option B (public access) is not a security best practice; DynamoDB tables are private by default. Option E (limiting item size) is a performance consideration, not a security best practice.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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