The answer is to enable the rds.force_ssl parameter in the DB parameter group and configure the application to use SSL connections. This is the simplest way to enforce TLS for Oracle RDS across VPCs because the rds.force_ssl parameter forces all client connections to use SSL/TLS encryption, and when combined with proper client-side SSL certificates, it ensures all traffic between the application servers and the database is encrypted in transit, even over VPC peering. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to enforce encryption without adding unnecessary complexity—common traps include overcomplicating the solution with VPNs or assuming default parameter groups already enforce SSL. Remember, VPC peering provides network connectivity but does not inherently encrypt traffic; you must enforce encryption at the database layer. Memory tip: think “force SSL, not force VPN” to avoid over-engineering.
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 migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The security team requires that all network traffic between the application servers and the database be encrypted using TLS. The application servers are in a different VPC connected via VPC Peering. What is the simplest way to enforce encryption in transit?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable the rds.force_ssl parameter in the DB parameter group and configure the application to use SSL connections.
Option A is correct because enabling the rds.force_ssl parameter ensures that Oracle connections require SSL, and using SSL certificates on the client side establishes encrypted connections. Option B is wrong because a VPN adds complexity and is not necessary. Option C is wrong because the default parameter group may not have SSL enabled. Option D is wrong because the security group does not enforce encryption.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Modify the security group for the RDS instance to only allow traffic on port 443.
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is for HTTPS, not Oracle database connections (default 1521).
✓
Enable the rds.force_ssl parameter in the DB parameter group and configure the application to use SSL connections.
Why this is correct
This enforces SSL at the database level, and the client can connect using SSL certificates.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use a default DB parameter group, as it already enforces SSL.
Set up a VPN connection between the two VPCs and route all traffic through it.
Why it's wrong here
VPN encrypts traffic but adds overhead; simpler solutions exist.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable the rds.force_ssl parameter in the DB parameter group and configure the application to use SSL connections. — Option A is correct because enabling the rds.force_ssl parameter ensures that Oracle connections require SSL, and using SSL certificates on the client side establishes encrypted connections. Option B is wrong because a VPN adds complexity and is not necessary. Option C is wrong because the default parameter group may not have SSL enabled. Option D is wrong because the security group does not enforce encryption.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The security team requires that all connections to the database use SSL/TLS encryption. Which step is necessary to enforce SSL connections?
easy
A.Configure the security group to only allow traffic on port 443.
B.Modify the DB subnet group to use a private subnet.
C.Add the SSL option to the option group.
✓ D.Set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group.
Why D: Option A is correct because RDS for Oracle supports SSL/TLS, and you can set a parameter in the DB parameter group to require SSL. Option B is wrong because security groups control network access, not encryption. Option C is wrong because the option group defines features like timezone, not SSL enforcement. Option D is wrong because the subnet group defines networking, not encryption.
Variation 2. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The security policy requires that all connections to the database use SSL/TLS. What should the database administrator do to meet this requirement?
medium
✓ A.Download the RDS certificate bundle and set the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group.
B.Enable IAM database authentication for the DB instance.
C.Modify the DB instance security group to only allow traffic on port 443.
D.Set the DB instance to be publicly accessible and use a VPN connection.
Why A: Option C is correct. To enforce SSL/TLS connections to RDS for Oracle, you must download the RDS certificate bundle and configure the DB instance to require SSL by setting the 'rds.force_ssl' parameter to 1 in the DB parameter group. Clients must then connect using SSL. Option A is incorrect because modifying the security group does not enforce SSL at the database level. Option B is incorrect because enabling IAM authentication does not enforce SSL. Option D is incorrect because setting the DB instance to publicly accessible is not secure and does not enforce SSL.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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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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