The correct answer is to create an IAM role for Lambda with DynamoDB permissions and attach it as the function’s execution role. This works because IAM roles provide temporary, rotating credentials via the AWS Security Token Service, eliminating the need for any long-term access keys or secrets stored in the code. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of serverless security best practices, specifically how Lambda assumes a role to interact with DynamoDB without hardcoding credentials. A common trap is assuming that storing keys in Secrets Manager or environment variables is acceptable, but both still involve persistent secrets that violate the mandate against long-term credentials. Remember the key principle: Lambda functions never use static keys—they always assume a role. Memory tip: “Lambda lives on borrowed time—it always uses temporary role credentials, never permanent keys.”
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 developer is building a serverless application that uses Amazon DynamoDB. The application needs to access the database from an AWS Lambda function. The security team mandates that the Lambda function should not use long-term AWS credentials. Which TWO steps should be taken to securely grant access? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows DynamoDB actions.
Options A and C are correct. Option A: creating an IAM role for Lambda with appropriate permissions allows temporary credentials. Option C: attaching the role to the Lambda function provides access without hardcoding credentials. Option B is wrong because storing credentials in Secrets Manager still requires handling secrets. Option D is wrong because environment variables are not secure for long-term credentials. Option E is wrong because the Lambda function should not have internet access for security; VPC endpoints are used for private access.
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.
✗
Hardcode the AWS access key ID and secret access key in the Lambda environment variables.
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoding credentials is insecure.
✓
Create an IAM role with a policy that allows DynamoDB actions.
Why this is correct
IAM role provides temporary credentials.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure the Lambda function to access the internet for authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda should use VPC endpoints, not internet.
✗
Store the database credentials in AWS Secrets Manager and retrieve them in the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
This adds complexity and still requires handling secrets.
✓
Attach the IAM role to the Lambda function's execution role.
Why this is correct
Attaching the role grants the function permissions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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 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.
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.
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: Create an IAM role with a policy that allows DynamoDB actions. — Options A and C are correct. Option A: creating an IAM role for Lambda with appropriate permissions allows temporary credentials. Option C: attaching the role to the Lambda function provides access without hardcoding credentials. Option B is wrong because storing credentials in Secrets Manager still requires handling secrets. Option D is wrong because environment variables are not secure for long-term credentials. Option E is wrong because the Lambda function should not have internet access for security; VPC endpoints are used for private access.
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.
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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.
Question Discussion
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