Quick Answer
The answer is three methods: MySQL native password authentication, IAM database authentication, and Kerberos authentication. Native password authentication is the standard MySQL credential system built into the engine, while IAM database authentication lets you use IAM users and roles to generate temporary authentication tokens, eliminating the need for long-term passwords. Kerberos authentication integrates with existing identity management systems for single sign-on. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this topic tests your understanding of which authentication mechanisms RDS for MySQL actually supports versus those reserved for other engines. A common trap is assuming Active Directory works directly with MySQL—it does not; AD authentication is only available for RDS SQL Server and Oracle. Another trap is confusing Lambda as an authentication method, which it is not. For a quick memory aid, think “NIK”: Native, IAM, Kerberos—the three pillars of RDS MySQL authentication.
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.
Which THREE methods can be used to authenticate users to an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance? (Choose three.)
AWS Managed Microsoft AD authentication.
Why wrong: Not supported for MySQL; supported for SQL Server and Oracle.
MySQL native password authentication.
Standard MySQL authentication.
AWS Lambda function authentication.
Why wrong: Lambda is not an authentication method.
Kerberos authentication.
Supported for RDS for MySQL.
IAM database authentication.
Allows IAM users to authenticate.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MySQL native password authentication.
Options A, B, and D are correct. MySQL native password authentication is standard. IAM database authentication allows IAM users and roles to authenticate. Kerberos authentication is supported for RDS for MySQL. Option C is wrong because RDS does not support Active Directory directly for MySQL (it is supported for SQL Server and Oracle). Option E is wrong because Lambda cannot be used for authentication.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS Managed Microsoft AD authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Not supported for MySQL; supported for SQL Server and Oracle.
MySQL native password authentication.
Why this is correct
Standard MySQL authentication.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
AWS Lambda function authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda is not an authentication method.
Kerberos authentication.
Why this is correct
Supported for RDS for MySQL.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
IAM database authentication.
Why this is correct
Allows IAM users to authenticate.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MySQL native password authentication. — Options A, B, and D are correct. MySQL native password authentication is standard. IAM database authentication allows IAM users and roles to authenticate. Kerberos authentication is supported for RDS for MySQL. Option C is wrong because RDS does not support Active Directory directly for MySQL (it is supported for SQL Server and Oracle). Option E is wrong because Lambda cannot be used for authentication.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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