- A
Store the encryption keys in AWS CloudHSM instead of KMS.
Why wrong: CloudHSM does not integrate directly with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- B
Use AWS Secrets Manager to store the encryption keys and rotate them automatically.
Why wrong: Secrets Manager is not designed for encryption keys used with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- C
Use an IAM policy that denies access to the DynamoDB table unless the request includes the correct key.
Why wrong: IAM policies cannot enforce client-side encryption key usage.
- D
Use a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications.
KMS key policies can restrict which principals can use the key.
Question 1,276 of 1,730
How to Restrict KMS Key Decryption to Authorized IAM Roles for DynamoDB Encryption Client
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 client-side encryption using the DynamoDB Encryption Client. The encryption keys are stored in AWS KMS. The security team wants to ensure that the encryption keys can be used only by authorized applications. What should be done?
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
✓
Use a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications.
Option D is correct because a KMS key policy that restricts decryption permissions to specific IAM roles ensures only authorized applications can use the client-side encryption keys. Option A is incorrect because storing keys in CloudHSM does not by itself enforce application-level authorization; key policies are still needed. Option B is incorrect because Secrets Manager is for storing secrets, not for managing key permissions; it does not replace KMS key policies. Option C is incorrect because IAM policies alone cannot deny DynamoDB access based on encryption keys; access control is managed via the key policy and IAM permissions.
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.
- ✗
Store the encryption keys in AWS CloudHSM instead of KMS.
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM does not integrate directly with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- ✗
Use AWS Secrets Manager to store the encryption keys and rotate them automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager is not designed for encryption keys used with DynamoDB Encryption Client.
- ✗
Use an IAM policy that denies access to the DynamoDB table unless the request includes the correct key.
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot enforce client-side encryption key usage.
- ✓
Use a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications.
Why this is correct
KMS key policies can restrict which principals can use the key.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Use a KMS key policy that grants access only to the specific IAM roles used by the applications. — Option D is correct because a KMS key policy that restricts decryption permissions to specific IAM roles ensures only authorized applications can use the client-side encryption keys. Option A is incorrect because storing keys in CloudHSM does not by itself enforce application-level authorization; key policies are still needed. Option B is incorrect because Secrets Manager is for storing secrets, not for managing key permissions; it does not replace KMS key policies. Option C is incorrect because IAM policies alone cannot deny DynamoDB access based on encryption keys; access control is managed via the key policy and IAM permissions.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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