- A
Attach a resource-based policy to the RDS instance to allow only specific IAM roles.
Why wrong: RDS does not support resource-based policies; access is controlled via security groups or IAM policies for actions.
- B
Create a new RDS instance in a VPC with a network ACL that allows inbound traffic only from specific IP ranges, and migrate the data.
Why wrong: While a new instance could be created, the existing instance can also be placed in a VPC with a security group.
- C
Modify the security group associated with the RDS instance to allow inbound traffic only from the application's IP addresses.
Security groups act as a virtual firewall and can restrict inbound traffic based on IP addresses.
- D
Enable IAM database authentication for the RDS instance.
Why wrong: IAM database authentication controls access via IAM roles, not IP addresses.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to modify the security group associated with the RDS instance to allow inbound traffic only from the application's IP addresses. This works because security groups act as a virtual firewall at the instance level, and by configuring them to restrict network access to the RDS instance security group based on specific source IPs, you create a hard network boundary that prevents unauthorized hosts from reaching the database, even if credentials are compromised. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of defense-in-depth and the distinction between network-layer controls (security groups) versus IAM permissions or encryption settings—a common trap is confusing KMS or SSL with network access restrictions. Remember that encryption protects data in transit and at rest, but only security groups can block the connection attempt itself. A useful memory tip is “SG for the gate”: security groups guard the network gate, while encryption guards the data inside.
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 an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL database to store sensitive customer data. The security team requires that all data be encrypted at rest and in transit, and that access to the database is restricted to only specific applications. Currently, the database is encrypted at rest using AWS KMS, and connections are made over SSL. However, the security team wants to ensure that even if the database credentials are compromised, an attacker cannot access the database from unauthorized IP addresses. What should be done to meet this requirement?
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
Modify the security group associated with the RDS instance to allow inbound traffic only from the application's IP addresses.
Option D is correct because a security group can restrict inbound traffic to the RDS instance based on source IP addresses. Option A does not restrict network access. Option B is about permissions, not network. Option C creates a separate cluster but does not restrict access to the existing one.
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.
- ✗
Attach a resource-based policy to the RDS instance to allow only specific IAM roles.
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not support resource-based policies; access is controlled via security groups or IAM policies for actions.
- ✗
Create a new RDS instance in a VPC with a network ACL that allows inbound traffic only from specific IP ranges, and migrate the data.
Why it's wrong here
While a new instance could be created, the existing instance can also be placed in a VPC with a security group.
- ✓
Modify the security group associated with the RDS instance to allow inbound traffic only from the application's IP addresses.
Why this is correct
Security groups act as a virtual firewall and can restrict inbound traffic based on IP addresses.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Enable IAM database authentication for the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
IAM database authentication controls access via IAM roles, not IP addresses.
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.
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 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
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the security group associated with the RDS instance to allow inbound traffic only from the application's IP addresses. — Option D is correct because a security group can restrict inbound traffic to the RDS instance based on source IP addresses. Option A does not restrict network access. Option B is about permissions, not network. Option C creates a separate cluster but does not restrict access to the existing one.
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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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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