The correct answer is to use the AWS KMS RotateKey operation to rotate the customer master key (CMK) used for Oracle TDE. This is because Amazon RDS for Oracle integrates with AWS KMS to manage the TDE master key, and rotating the CMK automatically generates a new cryptographic material for the key, which RDS then uses to re-encrypt the TDE master key without disrupting the database. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that TDE key rotation is a KMS-level action, not an Oracle-level manual procedure or a database modification. A common trap is assuming you must run the Oracle stored procedure rds.rds_rotate_tde_key, but that is only needed if you are rotating the TDE master key itself within the database, whereas the exam scenario typically refers to rotating the underlying KMS CMK. Remember: for RDS Oracle TDE master key rotation, think KMS first—if the question mentions "master key," it is the CMK in KMS, not the Oracle wallet key.
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 company is using Amazon RDS for Oracle with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) enabled. They need to rotate the TDE master key. What is the correct procedure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the AWS KMS RotateKey operation to rotate the customer master key (CMK) that is used for TDE.
TDE master key rotation is done by calling the AWS KMS RotateKey operation or by using the rds.rds_rotate_tde_key stored procedure. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because rotating the Oracle master key manually is not recommended and may break TDE. Option C is wrong because a new DB instance is unnecessary. Option D is wrong because modifying the DB instance does not rotate the TDE key.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use Oracle's ALTER SYSTEM SET ENCRYPTION KEY command to rotate the key.
Why it's wrong here
Direct Oracle commands may not be supported in RDS.
✓
Use the AWS KMS RotateKey operation to rotate the customer master key (CMK) that is used for TDE.
Why this is correct
KMS key rotation is the supported method for TDE key rotation.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Create a new encrypted RDS instance and migrate the data.
Why it's wrong here
Overly complex; key rotation can be done without migration.
✗
Modify the DB instance to use a new KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Modifying the DB instance does not rotate the TDE key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Direct Oracle commands may not be supported in RDS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the AWS KMS RotateKey operation to rotate the customer master key (CMK) that is used for TDE. — TDE master key rotation is done by calling the AWS KMS RotateKey operation or by using the rds.rds_rotate_tde_key stored procedure. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because rotating the Oracle master key manually is not recommended and may break TDE. Option C is wrong because a new DB instance is unnecessary. Option D is wrong because modifying the DB instance does not rotate the TDE key.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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