DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
A developer needs to deploy a new version of a Lambda function that uses environment variables for database credentials. Which AWS service should be used to securely store and retrieve the credentials?
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
✓
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS Secrets Manager is the best choice because it is designed specifically for securely storing secrets like database credentials and offers automatic rotation. Option C (AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store) can store secrets but lacks automatic rotation and is not as feature-rich for secret management. Option A (DynamoDB) and Option B (S3) are not intended for secret storage and lack native secret management capabilities such as rotation and fine-grained access control for secrets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Amazon DynamoDB with encryption at rest
Why it's wrong here
Amazon DynamoDB, while offering encryption at rest, is fundamentally a NoSQL database service designed for high-performance data storage and retrieval, not for the specialized lifecycle management of secrets. It lacks built-in features for automatic credential rotation, secure secret retrieval APIs, or integration with identity providers for fine-grained secret access, making it an unsuitable choice for a dedicated secrets manager.
- ✗
Amazon S3 with server-side encryption
Why it's wrong here
Amazon S3, even with server-side encryption, is an object storage service primarily used for storing files and static content, not for managing dynamic credentials. It does not provide the necessary API for programmatic secret retrieval, automatic rotation capabilities, or the granular access control mechanisms specifically tailored for secrets that a dedicated secrets management service offers. Using S3 for secrets would require manual processes and custom solutions, introducing significant security and operational overhead.
- ✗
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why it's wrong here
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store can securely store sensitive data as `SecureString` parameters, encrypted using AWS KMS, making it a viable option for storing configuration values and some secrets. However, its primary limitation for comprehensive secret management is the lack of native, automatic secret rotation capabilities. While it can store secrets, it requires custom Lambda functions or external automation to implement rotation, which is a critical security feature for credentials like database passwords or API keys.
- ✓
AWS Secrets Manager
Why this is correct
AWS Secrets Manager is purpose-built for securely storing, managing, and automatically rotating various types of secrets, including database credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information. It integrates seamlessly with AWS services like Lambda for automated rotation, ensuring secrets are regularly updated without manual intervention, significantly enhancing security posture. Furthermore, it provides robust auditing, fine-grained access control via IAM, and easy retrieval through an API, making it the ideal solution for managing secrets at scale.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 exam.