- A
Unload the data to Amazon S3, create a new encrypted cluster, and reload the data from S3.
Why wrong: This method works but involves unloading data to S3 and reloading, which incurs substantial downtime for large datasets. It is not the most efficient option.
- B
Use the AWS CLI to update the cluster encryption setting.
Why wrong: There is no AWS CLI command to enable encryption on an existing cluster; encryption must be enabled at cluster creation time.
- C
Take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled.
Taking a snapshot and restoring it to a new cluster with encryption enabled is the correct method with minimal downtime. The original cluster remains available during the process.
- D
Modify the cluster and enable encryption using the AWS Management Console.
Why wrong: The AWS Management Console does not provide an option to enable encryption on an existing cluster; a new cluster must be created.
How to Enable Encryption on an Existing Unencrypted Amazon Redshift Cluster
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 has an Amazon Redshift cluster that contains sensitive data. The security team requires that data be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed AWS KMS key. The cluster was initially launched without encryption. How can the company enable encryption with minimal downtime?
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
Take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled.
To enable encryption on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster with minimal downtime, the recommended approach is to take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled. This allows the original cluster to remain operational while the encrypted cluster is being created, minimizing downtime. Once the new cluster is ready, traffic can be redirected. Option A (unload to S3, create new encrypted cluster, reload) also achieves encryption but requires significant downtime for data transfer. Option B is incorrect because there is no direct CLI command to enable encryption on an existing cluster; a new cluster must be created. Option D is incorrect because the AWS Management Console does not allow enabling encryption on an existing cluster.
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.
- ✗
Unload the data to Amazon S3, create a new encrypted cluster, and reload the data from S3.
Why it's wrong here
This method works but involves unloading data to S3 and reloading, which incurs substantial downtime for large datasets. It is not the most efficient option.
- ✗
Use the AWS CLI to update the cluster encryption setting.
Why it's wrong here
There is no AWS CLI command to enable encryption on an existing cluster; encryption must be enabled at cluster creation time.
- ✓
Take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled.
Why this is correct
Taking a snapshot and restoring it to a new cluster with encryption enabled is the correct method with minimal downtime. The original cluster remains available during the process.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Modify the cluster and enable encryption using the AWS Management Console.
Why it's wrong here
The AWS Management Console does not provide an option to enable encryption on an existing cluster; a new cluster must be created.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is no AWS CLI command to enable encryption on an existing cluster; encryption must be enabled at cluster creation time.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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: Take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled. — To enable encryption on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster with minimal downtime, the recommended approach is to take a snapshot of the cluster and restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled. This allows the original cluster to remain operational while the encrypted cluster is being created, minimizing downtime. Once the new cluster is ready, traffic can be redirected. Option A (unload to S3, create new encrypted cluster, reload) also achieves encryption but requires significant downtime for data transfer. Option B is incorrect because there is no direct CLI command to enable encryption on an existing cluster; a new cluster must be created. Option D is incorrect because the AWS Management Console does not allow enabling encryption on an existing cluster.
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
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