The admin user is the correct choice because their query performs a full table scan on the credit_cards table by selecting all columns, which violates the principle of least privilege by potentially exposing unnecessary sensitive data. In contrast, the app_user’s query targets a specific column with a WHERE clause, limiting data access. This scenario tests your ability to interpret MySQL processlist output for security anomalies, a key skill for the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, where you must identify risky queries that could lead to data exposure or performance degradation. A common trap is assuming any SELECT is acceptable, but the breadth of the scan matters—full table scans of sensitive tables are red flags. Memory tip: “Full scan, full risk—specific queries are security’s best trick.”
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A database administrator is reviewing the output of 'SHOW FULL PROCESSLIST' on an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance. The company's security policy requires that all database users access only the minimum necessary data. Which user's activity should be investigated further?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The admin user, because the query is selecting all columns from the credit_cards table.
The admin user is executing a full scan of the credit_cards table, which is a security concern because it could be accessing unnecessary data. The app_user is querying a specific column with a condition, which is more appropriate. The admin user should have a more restrictive query. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the admin user's query is broad. Option C is wrong because the app_user's query is specific. Option D is wrong because both queries are selecting data, but the admin's is more concerning.
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.
✗
Both users, because they are both accessing the credit_cards table.
Why it's wrong here
Accessing the table is not inherently wrong; it's the scope of access.
✓
The admin user, because the query is selecting all columns from the credit_cards table.
Why this is correct
This violates the principle of least privilege; the admin should not be selecting all columns.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The app_user, because the query is selecting card_number which is sensitive.
Why it's wrong here
The app_user has a legitimate need and is using a condition to limit rows.
✗
Neither user, because the queries are normal for their roles.
Why it's wrong here
The admin's query is overly broad.
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: The admin user, because the query is selecting all columns from the credit_cards table. — The admin user is executing a full scan of the credit_cards table, which is a security concern because it could be accessing unnecessary data. The app_user is querying a specific column with a condition, which is more appropriate. The admin user should have a more restrictive query. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the admin user's query is broad. Option C is wrong because the app_user's query is specific. Option D is wrong because both queries are selecting data, but the admin's is more concerning.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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