- A
Modify the DynamoDB table to update the encryption key to the new CMK using the AWS Console.
Why wrong: DynamoDB does not support modifying the encryption key on an existing table.
- B
Export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to use the new table.
This is the only way to change the encryption key, as DynamoDB does not allow in-place key changes.
- C
Disable encryption at rest, then re-enable it with the new CMK.
Why wrong: Encryption at rest cannot be disabled on a DynamoDB table; it is always enabled.
- D
Update the KMS key policy to grant DynamoDB access to the new CMK, then rotate the key.
Why wrong: The key policy change does not change the key used to encrypt the table; the table will still use the original key.
Quick Answer
The answer is to export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table with the customer-managed KMS key, import the data, and update the application to use the new table. This is necessary because DynamoDB does not support in-place modification of the encryption key for an existing table; the encryption setting is immutable at table creation time, so transitioning DynamoDB encryption key to customer-managed requires a full data migration. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that DynamoDB’s encryption key is a table-level, immutable property, and the common trap is assuming you can simply update the key via the console or API. Remember the key concept: you cannot change the lock on an existing door—you must build a new door with the new lock. Memory tip: “Export, New Table, Import, Switch” — or simply “ENIS” for the four-step migration process.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 financial services company uses Amazon DynamoDB to store sensitive customer data. The security team requires that all data at rest be encrypted using a customer-managed AWS KMS key (CMK) with automatic rotation enabled. The DynamoDB table was created with the default AWS-managed key. Which steps are necessary to transition to a customer-managed CMK while minimizing downtime and data loss?
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
Export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to use the new table.
Option B is correct because DynamoDB does not support in-place modification of the encryption key for an existing table. To transition from an AWS-managed key to a customer-managed CMK, you must export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table configured with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to point to the new table. This approach minimizes downtime by allowing the original table to serve reads/writes during the export and import process, and avoids data loss by using DynamoDB's native export and import features.
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.
- ✗
Modify the DynamoDB table to update the encryption key to the new CMK using the AWS Console.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB does not support modifying the encryption key on an existing table.
- ✓
Export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to use the new table.
Why this is correct
This is the only way to change the encryption key, as DynamoDB does not allow in-place key changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable encryption at rest, then re-enable it with the new CMK.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest cannot be disabled on a DynamoDB table; it is always enabled.
- ✗
Update the KMS key policy to grant DynamoDB access to the new CMK, then rotate the key.
Why it's wrong here
The key policy change does not change the key used to encrypt the table; the table will still use the original key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume DynamoDB allows in-place encryption key changes (like some other AWS services), but DynamoDB requires a table recreation to change the encryption key, making the export/import workflow necessary.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB encryption at rest uses envelope encryption, where each table is associated with a specific KMS key at creation time; the key cannot be changed later. The export-to-S3 feature uses the table's existing key to decrypt data, and the import process allows specifying a new CMK for the target table. In a real-world scenario, you can use DynamoDB's on-demand export to S3 (which does not consume read capacity) and then use the import feature to populate the new table, minimizing operational impact.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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
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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: Export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to use the new table. — Option B is correct because DynamoDB does not support in-place modification of the encryption key for an existing table. To transition from an AWS-managed key to a customer-managed CMK, you must export the table data to Amazon S3, create a new DynamoDB table configured with the new CMK, import the data, and update the application to point to the new table. This approach minimizes downtime by allowing the original table to serve reads/writes during the export and import process, and avoids data loss by using DynamoDB's native export and import features.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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