- A
Store configuration values in Lambda environment variables.
Why wrong: Storing configuration in environment variables separates config from code but is not a direct security control; the actual security comes from encrypting those variables (Option C). Thus, it is not one of the three most direct security actions.
- B
Attach an IAM role with least privilege permissions.
Applying least privilege to the IAM role is a fundamental security practice that directly controls what the Lambda function can access, critical for protecting sensitive data.
- C
Enable encryption of environment variables using AWS KMS.
Enabling encryption of environment variables with KMS adds a strong layer of protection for sensitive data stored in environment variables, preventing unauthorized access even if the variables are exposed.
- D
Run the Lambda function inside a VPC.
Running the Lambda function inside a VPC allows it to access resources privately and securely, avoiding exposure to the public internet, which is important for processing sensitive data.
- E
Enable AWS CloudTrail for the Lambda function.
Why wrong: AWS CloudTrail is a logging and auditing service that records API calls, but it does not directly secure the Lambda function's data processing. It is a monitoring tool, not a security control for the function itself.
How to Secure an AWS Lambda Function with Environment Variables, KMS, and VPC
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of development with aws services. 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. A key principle to apply: iAM Least Privilege. 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.
Which THREE actions should a developer take to secure an AWS Lambda function that processes sensitive data? (Choose 3.)
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
Attach an IAM role with least privilege permissions.
Option B is a fundamental security best practice: applying the principle of least privilege to the Lambda function's execution role ensures it has only the permissions necessary to access data and services, minimizing potential damage if compromised. Option C: enabling encryption of environment variables with KMS adds a layer of protection for sensitive data stored in environment variables. Option D: running the Lambda function inside a VPC allows it to access resources securely within a private network, preventing exposure to the public internet. Option A: storing configuration in environment variables is a common practice but does not directly secure the function; it is about separating config from code, and the security benefit comes from encrypting them (Option C). Therefore, the three most directly security-relevant actions are B, C, D.
Key principle: IAM Least Privilege
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store configuration values in Lambda environment variables.
Why it's wrong here
Storing configuration in environment variables separates config from code but is not a direct security control; the actual security comes from encrypting those variables (Option C). Thus, it is not one of the three most direct security actions.
- ✓
Attach an IAM role with least privilege permissions.
Why this is correct
Applying least privilege to the IAM role is a fundamental security practice that directly controls what the Lambda function can access, critical for protecting sensitive data.
Related concept
IAM Least Privilege
- ✓
Enable encryption of environment variables using AWS KMS.
Why this is correct
Enabling encryption of environment variables with KMS adds a strong layer of protection for sensitive data stored in environment variables, preventing unauthorized access even if the variables are exposed.
Related concept
IAM Least Privilege
- ✓
Run the Lambda function inside a VPC.
Why this is correct
Running the Lambda function inside a VPC allows it to access resources privately and securely, avoiding exposure to the public internet, which is important for processing sensitive data.
Related concept
IAM Least Privilege
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail for the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
AWS CloudTrail is a logging and auditing service that records API calls, but it does not directly secure the Lambda function's data processing. It is a monitoring tool, not a security control for the function itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates might select option A thinking it is a security action, but it is merely a configuration management practice; the actual security comes from encrypting those variables and controlling access. They might also overlook the importance of IAM least privilege as a direct security control for the function itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Lambda environment variables are encrypted at rest using AWS KMS with a default service key, but for sensitive data, you should use a customer-managed KMS key to control access and rotation. When you enable encryption with a customer-managed KMS key, the Lambda service decrypts the variables at invocation time using the key, and you can audit decryption events via CloudTrail. Running the function inside a VPC (Option D) is critical for sensitive data because it allows the function to access private resources (e.g., RDS, ElastiCache) without traversing the public internet, and you can control network traffic with security groups and NACLs.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- IAM Least Privilege
- AWS KMS Encryption
- VPC Isolation
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
IAM Least Privilege
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.
Quick reference
Cloud Service Model Comparison
| Model | You Manage | Provider Manages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| IaaS | OS, runtime, apps, data | Hardware, hypervisor, networking | EC2, Azure VMs, GCP Compute Engine |
| PaaS | Apps and data | OS, runtime, middleware, hardware | Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Service |
| SaaS | Data and settings only | Everything else | Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Workday |
| FaaS / Serverless | Function code only | Infra, scaling, runtime | Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Run |
| CaaS | Containers and apps | Kubernetes, OS, hardware | EKS, AKS, GKE |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review iAM Least Privilege, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Development with AWS Services — This question tests Development with AWS Services — IAM Least Privilege.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach an IAM role with least privilege permissions. — Option B is a fundamental security best practice: applying the principle of least privilege to the Lambda function's execution role ensures it has only the permissions necessary to access data and services, minimizing potential damage if compromised. Option C: enabling encryption of environment variables with KMS adds a layer of protection for sensitive data stored in environment variables. Option D: running the Lambda function inside a VPC allows it to access resources securely within a private network, preventing exposure to the public internet. Option A: storing configuration in environment variables is a common practice but does not directly secure the function; it is about separating config from code, and the security benefit comes from encrypting them (Option C). Therefore, the three most directly security-relevant actions are B, C, D.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review iAM Least Privilege, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
IAM Least Privilege
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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