The answer is to use an environment variable to pass the KMS key ID to the application, as this avoids hardcoding while keeping the key ID accessible at runtime. This is the best practice because environment variables are isolated from the application code and configuration files, reducing the risk of accidental exposure in version control or logs, and they can be easily injected via EC2 user data or Systems Manager Parameter Store without modifying the application. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure secret management versus IAM roles—a common trap is assuming an IAM role directly provides the key ID, but roles only grant permissions to use the key, not the identifier itself. Remember the mnemonic: “Env vars for IDs, IAM for rights”—the key ID is a configuration value, not an authorization token, so keep it out of code and config files.
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of 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.
An application uses a custom KMS key to encrypt data. The application runs on an EC2 instance. To decrypt data, the application must call KMS. What is the BEST practice to securely provide the KMS key ID to the application?
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
✓
Use an environment variable to pass the key ID to the application
Option D is correct because the key ID can be stored in an environment variable on the instance, which is retrieved by the application. Option A is wrong because storing the key ID in a configuration file is less secure. Option B is wrong because hardcoding is insecure. Option C is wrong because an IAM role does not directly provide the key ID.
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.
✗
Hardcode the key ID in the application code
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoding secrets is a security risk.
✗
Store the key ID in a configuration file on the instance
Why it's wrong here
Configuration files can be accessed by unauthorized users if the instance is compromised.
✗
Retrieve the key ID using the instance's IAM role
Why it's wrong here
The IAM role grants permissions but does not store the key ID.
✓
Use an environment variable to pass the key ID to the application
Why this is correct
Environment variables are a secure way to pass configuration to applications.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Use an environment variable to pass the key ID to the application — Option D is correct because the key ID can be stored in an environment variable on the instance, which is retrieved by the application. Option A is wrong because storing the key ID in a configuration file is less secure. Option B is wrong because hardcoding is insecure. Option C is wrong because an IAM role does not directly provide the key ID.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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