The correct answer is the IAM policy that grants only dynamodb:GetItem, PutItem, UpdateItem, and DeleteItem on the specific table ARN, because this adheres to the principle of least privilege by scoping both the actions and the resource to exactly what the Lambda function needs for read/write access. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between overly permissive policies—like DynamoDB full access or allowing all actions on all tables—and policies that are too restrictive, such as only permitting DescribeTable. A common trap is selecting a policy that grants dynamodb:* or uses a wildcard resource, which violates least privilege. Remember the mnemonic “GUP-D” for the four required actions: GetItem, UpdateItem, PutItem, and DeleteItem.
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 with AWS Lambda to process data. The Lambda function needs to read and write items to a DynamoDB table. The security team wants to follow the principle of least privilege. Which IAM policy statement should be attached to the Lambda execution role?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Option C is correct because it grants only the necessary DynamoDB actions (GetItem, PutItem, UpdateItem, DeleteItem) on the specific table. Option A is wrong because it grants DynamoDB full access, which is too permissive. Option B is wrong because it allows all actions on all tables. Option D is wrong because it is overly restrictive; it only allows DescribeTable and ListTables, which are insufficient for read/write.
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.
This grants all DynamoDB actions, including administrative actions.
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 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 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: {"Effect":"Allow","Action":["dynamodb:GetItem","dynamodb:PutItem","dynamodb:UpdateItem","dynamodb:DeleteItem"],"Resource":"arn:aws:dynamodb:us-east-1:123456789012:table/MyTable"} — Option C is correct because it grants only the necessary DynamoDB actions (GetItem, PutItem, UpdateItem, DeleteItem) on the specific table. Option A is wrong because it grants DynamoDB full access, which is too permissive. Option B is wrong because it allows all actions on all tables. Option D is wrong because it is overly restrictive; it only allows DescribeTable and ListTables, which are insufficient for read/write.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.