- A
Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster.
Why wrong: This option is ambiguous because it does not specify creating a new cluster. Encryption cannot be enabled on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster; you must create a new encrypted cluster. Option D is the correct and explicit solution.
- B
Create the cluster with AWS CloudHSM-backed encryption and rotate the key annually.
Why wrong: CloudHSM-backed encryption requires manual key rotation, not automatic annual rotation as required.
- C
Enable encryption on the existing cluster by modifying the cluster settings.
Why wrong: Enabling encryption on an existing cluster is not supported; you need to create a new encrypted cluster or restore from an encrypted snapshot.
- D
Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.
Correct. You create a new encrypted cluster using a KMS key with automatic key rotation. This ensures encryption at rest and automatic annual rotation.
How to Enable Redshift Encryption at Rest with Automatic Key Rotation Using AWS KMS
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.
A company has an Amazon Redshift cluster that stores sensitive financial data. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest and that the encryption keys be rotated annually. Which solution meets 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
Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.
Option D is correct because the security requirements are to have encryption at rest and automatic annual key rotation. Amazon Redshift clusters can only be encrypted at creation time; you cannot enable encryption on an existing unencrypted cluster. Therefore, the only way to meet the requirements is to create a new encrypted cluster using a KMS key with automatic rotation enabled. The existing cluster must be replaced by restoring from an encrypted snapshot or by creating a new cluster and migrating data. Option D precisely describes this solution: 'Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.' Automatic rotation can be enabled on the KMS key, and Redshift will use the new key material automatically for re-encryption. Option A is ambiguous: 'Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster' – this could be interpreted as enabling encryption on an existing cluster, which is not possible. Option D clearly states the correct procedure. Hence D is the best answer. Option B is wrong because CloudHSM-backed encryption does not support automatic key rotation; rotation must be done manually. Option C is wrong because encryption cannot be enabled on an existing cluster; a new encrypted cluster must be created.
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.
- ✗
Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster.
Why it's wrong here
This option is ambiguous because it does not specify creating a new cluster. Encryption cannot be enabled on an existing unencrypted Redshift cluster; you must create a new encrypted cluster. Option D is the correct and explicit solution.
- ✗
Create the cluster with AWS CloudHSM-backed encryption and rotate the key annually.
Why it's wrong here
CloudHSM-backed encryption requires manual key rotation, not automatic annual rotation as required.
- ✗
Enable encryption on the existing cluster by modifying the cluster settings.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling encryption on an existing cluster is not supported; you need to create a new encrypted cluster or restore from an encrypted snapshot.
- ✓
Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.
Why this is correct
Correct. You create a new encrypted cluster using a KMS key with automatic key rotation. This ensures encryption at rest and automatic annual rotation.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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 a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation. — Option D is correct because the security requirements are to have encryption at rest and automatic annual key rotation. Amazon Redshift clusters can only be encrypted at creation time; you cannot enable encryption on an existing unencrypted cluster. Therefore, the only way to meet the requirements is to create a new encrypted cluster using a KMS key with automatic rotation enabled. The existing cluster must be replaced by restoring from an encrypted snapshot or by creating a new cluster and migrating data. Option D precisely describes this solution: 'Create a new encrypted cluster with a KMS key and configure automatic key rotation.' Automatic rotation can be enabled on the KMS key, and Redshift will use the new key material automatically for re-encryption. Option A is ambiguous: 'Use AWS KMS with automatic key rotation to encrypt the Redshift cluster' – this could be interpreted as enabling encryption on an existing cluster, which is not possible. Option D clearly states the correct procedure. Hence D is the best answer. Option B is wrong because CloudHSM-backed encryption does not support automatic key rotation; rotation must be done manually. Option C is wrong because encryption cannot be enabled on an existing cluster; a new encrypted cluster must be created.
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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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DBS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is using Amazon Redshift and needs to comply with regulatory requirements that mandate encryption of all data at rest and control of the encryption keys. Which THREE steps should be taken? (Choose THREE.)
hard- ✓ A.Enable automatic key rotation for the KMS key.
- ✓ B.Configure the cluster to use a customer-managed KMS key.
- C.Use AWS CloudHSM to generate and manage encryption keys.
- D.Enable encryption on the cluster after creation by modifying the cluster.
- ✓ E.Create the cluster with encryption enabled using a KMS key.
Why A: Option A is correct because enabling automatic key rotation for the KMS key ensures that encryption keys are rotated regularly, meeting key control requirements. Option B is correct because using a customer-managed KMS key allows the company to control the encryption keys themselves. Option E is correct because Amazon Redshift requires encryption to be enabled at cluster creation time, and using a KMS key accomplishes this. Option C is incorrect because AWS CloudHSM is not necessary for this requirement; KMS provides sufficient key management. Option D is incorrect because encryption cannot be enabled on an existing Redshift cluster; it must be enabled at creation.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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