- A
Enable EBS encryption on the RDS instance's underlying volumes using a KMS key.
Why wrong: EBS encryption is not available for RDS instances; RDS encryption uses KMS, not EBS.
- B
Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) using a CloudHSM key in the RDS instance.
Why wrong: TDE is not supported for Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL; it is only available for Oracle and SQL Server.
- C
Use AWS KMS with a customer-managed key (CMK) for RDS encryption.
RDS encryption with a customer-managed KMS key encrypts data at rest and can be backed by CloudHSM via custom key store.
- D
Implement client-side encryption in the application before writing data to the database.
Why wrong: Client-side encryption requires application changes and does not encrypt data at rest within the database itself.
DBS-C01 Amazon RDS Encryption 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. A key principle to apply: amazon RDS Encryption. 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 launching a new application that requires an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL database. The database will store highly sensitive data, and the security team mandates that all data at rest must be encrypted. The company also requires that the encryption keys be managed by the security team using AWS CloudHSM. What is the MOST efficient way to meet these requirements?
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 AWS KMS with a customer-managed key (CMK) for RDS encryption.
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL does not support Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). TDE is only available for Oracle and SQL Server. The most efficient way to meet the requirements is to use RDS encryption with a customer-managed key (CMK) in AWS KMS, which encrypts the underlying storage and automated backups. The security team can manage the CMK via CloudHSM by using a KMS custom key store, thus satisfying the key management requirement. Option A is incorrect because EBS encryption is not directly applicable to RDS instances; RDS encryption uses KMS. Option B is incorrect because TDE is not supported for PostgreSQL. Option D is incorrect because client-side encryption introduces application changes and does not ensure encryption at rest within the database.
Key principle: Amazon RDS Encryption
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable EBS encryption on the RDS instance's underlying volumes using a KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
EBS encryption is not available for RDS instances; RDS encryption uses KMS, not EBS.
- ✗
Enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) using a CloudHSM key in the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
TDE is not supported for Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL; it is only available for Oracle and SQL Server.
- ✓
Use AWS KMS with a customer-managed key (CMK) for RDS encryption.
Why this is correct
RDS encryption with a customer-managed KMS key encrypts data at rest and can be backed by CloudHSM via custom key store.
Related concept
Amazon RDS Encryption
- ✗
Implement client-side encryption in the application before writing data to the database.
Why it's wrong here
Client-side encryption requires application changes and does not encrypt data at rest within the database itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may assume TDE applies to all RDS engines, but TDE is only supported for Oracle and SQL Server, not PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Amazon RDS Encryption
- Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
- Customer-Managed Key (CMK)
- AWS CloudHSM
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Amazon RDS Encryption
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review amazon RDS Encryption, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Amazon RDS Encryption.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS KMS with a customer-managed key (CMK) for RDS encryption. — Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL does not support Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). TDE is only available for Oracle and SQL Server. The most efficient way to meet the requirements is to use RDS encryption with a customer-managed key (CMK) in AWS KMS, which encrypts the underlying storage and automated backups. The security team can manage the CMK via CloudHSM by using a KMS custom key store, thus satisfying the key management requirement. Option A is incorrect because EBS encryption is not directly applicable to RDS instances; RDS encryption uses KMS. Option B is incorrect because TDE is not supported for PostgreSQL. Option D is incorrect because client-side encryption introduces application changes and does not ensure encryption at rest within the database.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review amazon RDS Encryption, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Amazon RDS Encryption
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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