DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
Which TWO actions can be used to encrypt an existing unencrypted Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance? (Choose 2.)
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 DB instance and migrate data using database dump and restore.
To encrypt an existing unencrypted RDS for MySQL DB instance, you cannot modify the instance directly (option E is incorrect). You can either take a snapshot, copy it with encryption enabled, and restore from the encrypted snapshot (option D), or create a new encrypted DB instance and migrate data using database dump and restore (option C). Option A is incorrect because creating a read replica with encryption enabled does not encrypt the source instance. Option B is incorrect because enabling SSL encrypts data in transit, not at rest.
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 a read replica with encryption enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Read replicas inherit the encryption setting of the source.
- ✗
Enable SSL on the DB instance.
Why it's wrong here
SSL encrypts in transit, not at rest.
- ✓
Create a new encrypted DB instance and migrate data using database dump and restore.
Why this is correct
Migrating to a new encrypted instance is another valid method.
- ✓
Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy it with encryption enabled, and restore from the encrypted snapshot.
Why this is correct
This is the standard method to encrypt an existing instance.
- ✗
Modify the DB instance and enable encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Modification does not support enabling encryption on existing instances.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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 database administrator runs the AWS CLI command shown in the exhibit. The administrator wants to enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance. What should the administrator do?
hard- A.Modify the DB instance and set StorageEncrypted to true.
- B.Create a new KMS key and associate it with the DB instance.
- C.Create a new DB parameter group with encryption enabled.
- ✓ D.Take a snapshot of the DB instance, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore a new instance.
Why D: To enable encryption on an unencrypted RDS instance, you must take a snapshot, copy the snapshot with encryption enabled, and restore a new encrypted instance. You cannot enable encryption on an existing instance (Option A is incorrect). Creating a new KMS key does not enable encryption on the existing instance (Option B is incorrect). Encryption is not controlled by a DB parameter group (Option C is incorrect). Only D is correct.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.