The correct answer is to configure the Lambda function to use IAM database authentication for RDS. This is the best practice because it eliminates the need to store or retrieve a password from Secrets Manager entirely; instead, the Lambda function assumes an IAM role that generates a temporary authentication token valid for 15 minutes via the AWS SDK, which is then used to connect to RDS over TLS. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM database authentication enforces least privilege and removes static credential risks, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly keep Secrets Manager in the loop. Remember the memory tip: “Token, not static” — if you see a Lambda accessing RDS, think temporary token via IAM, not a stored password.
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 uses AWS Lambda to process sensitive data. The Lambda function needs to access an RDS database with a password stored in AWS Secrets Manager. The function currently retrieves the secret using the AWS SDK. What is the best practice to secure this setup?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the Lambda function to use IAM database authentication for RDS.
Option A is correct because IAM database authentication eliminates the need to store or retrieve a password entirely. The Lambda function assumes an IAM role that generates a temporary authentication token (valid for 15 minutes) using the AWS SDK, which is then used to connect to RDS via TLS. This approach follows the principle of least privilege and removes the risk of static credentials being exposed or misused.
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.
✓
Configure the Lambda function to use IAM database authentication for RDS.
Why this is correct
IAM auth uses short-lived tokens, no password needed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Store the password as a Lambda environment variable encrypted with KMS.
Why it's wrong here
Environment variables can be viewed in the console.
✗
Use the AWS CLI within the Lambda function to fetch the secret each time.
Why it's wrong here
Still retrieves a password over the network.
✗
Rotate the secret daily using Secrets Manager and cache it in Lambda.
Why it's wrong here
Still relies on a password; IAM auth is more secure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume Secrets Manager is always the best practice for secrets, but the question specifically asks for the best practice to secure the setup, and IAM authentication removes the secret entirely, which is more secure than any secret management approach.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IAM database authentication works by having the Lambda function call the RDS API to generate an authentication token using the IAM role's credentials. This token is used as the password in the database connection string, and RDS validates it against the IAM role's permissions. The token is valid for 15 minutes by default, so the function must generate a new token for each connection or reuse it within that window. In a real-world scenario, if the function runs for longer than 15 minutes (e.g., processing large datasets), the token must be refreshed before it expires to avoid connection drops.
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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the Lambda function to use IAM database authentication for RDS. — Option A is correct because IAM database authentication eliminates the need to store or retrieve a password entirely. The Lambda function assumes an IAM role that generates a temporary authentication token (valid for 15 minutes) using the AWS SDK, which is then used to connect to RDS via TLS. This approach follows the principle of least privilege and removes the risk of static credentials being exposed or misused.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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