- A
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using a KMS key, and configure the cluster to use an HSM for key storage.
Why wrong: Redshift does not support HSM and KMS simultaneously; you must choose one.
- B
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using an HSM, and attach an IAM role to the cluster to control access.
HSM provides hardware-based encryption and IAM roles can be used for access control.
- C
Create the Redshift cluster without encryption, then use the AWS CLI to enable encryption using a KMS key.
Why wrong: Redshift does not support enabling encryption on an existing cluster.
- D
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption using a KMS key, and then import the HSM certificate into the cluster.
Why wrong: KMS and HSM are separate encryption options; cannot combine.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using an HSM and attach an IAM role to the cluster for access control. This configuration works because Amazon Redshift supports hardware security modules (HSMs) for encryption at rest, and IAM roles can be directly associated with the cluster to manage database access permissions, ensuring that only authorized roles can query the data. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that Redshift encryption options are mutually exclusive—you cannot combine HSM with KMS, and encryption must be enabled at launch, not after. A common trap is assuming you can switch encryption methods later or that KMS satisfies an HSM requirement. Memory tip: think “HSM for hardware, IAM for access, both set at launch.”
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
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 is using Amazon Redshift for data warehousing. The security team requires that all data is encrypted at rest using a hardware security module (HSM). Additionally, the team wants to ensure that only specific IAM roles can access the database. Which configuration will 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
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using an HSM, and attach an IAM role to the cluster to control access.
Option B is correct because Redshift supports HSM for encryption at rest, and IAM roles can be attached to the cluster for access control. Option A is wrong because HSM and KMS are mutually exclusive. Option C is wrong because KMS does not meet the HSM requirement. Option D is wrong because encryption cannot be enabled after cluster creation.
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.
- ✗
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using a KMS key, and configure the cluster to use an HSM for key storage.
Why it's wrong here
Redshift does not support HSM and KMS simultaneously; you must choose one.
- ✓
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using an HSM, and attach an IAM role to the cluster to control access.
Why this is correct
HSM provides hardware-based encryption and IAM roles can be used for access control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create the Redshift cluster without encryption, then use the AWS CLI to enable encryption using a KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Redshift does not support enabling encryption on an existing cluster.
- ✗
Create the Redshift cluster with encryption using a KMS key, and then import the HSM certificate into the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
KMS and HSM are separate encryption options; cannot combine.
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 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.
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.
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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 the Redshift cluster with encryption enabled using an HSM, and attach an IAM role to the cluster to control access. — Option B is correct because Redshift supports HSM for encryption at rest, and IAM roles can be attached to the cluster for access control. Option A is wrong because HSM and KMS are mutually exclusive. Option C is wrong because KMS does not meet the HSM requirement. Option D is wrong because encryption cannot be enabled after cluster creation.
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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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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