The answer is AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store. This service is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to securely store configuration data and secrets like database passwords, and it integrates natively with AWS CodeBuild to inject those parameters into the build process via environment variables or the AWS CLI. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between Parameter Store and AWS Secrets Manager, where the key trap is that Secrets Manager is overkill and more expensive for simple build parameters, while KMS is only an encryption layer and CodeBuild itself does not store secrets. A common memory tip is to think of Parameter Store as the “lightweight, cost-effective vault” for build-time secrets, whereas Secrets Manager is for automatic rotation of high-value secrets like RDS credentials.
DOP-C02 Configuration Management and IaC Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. 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.
A company uses AWS CodeBuild to build and test code. They need to securely store sensitive parameters, such as database passwords, and inject them into the build process. Which AWS service should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store is designed to store configuration data and secrets securely. Option D is correct. Option A is incorrect because Secrets Manager can also store secrets but is more expensive and not necessary for simple build parameters. Option B is incorrect because KMS is a key management service, not a parameter store. Option C is incorrect because CodeBuild does not store secrets natively.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Storing them in the CodeBuild project environment variables
Why it's wrong here
Storing secrets in plaintext in environment variables is insecure.
✗
AWS Secrets Manager
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager is a valid choice but is overkill for simple parameters; Parameter Store is more cost-effective and simpler.
✗
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)
Why it's wrong here
KMS is used to create and manage encryption keys, not to store parameters.
✓
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why this is correct
Parameter Store can securely store configuration data and secrets, and CodeBuild can reference them.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Configuration Management and IaC — This question tests Configuration Management and IaC — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store — AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store is designed to store configuration data and secrets securely. Option D is correct. Option A is incorrect because Secrets Manager can also store secrets but is more expensive and not necessary for simple build parameters. Option B is incorrect because KMS is a key management service, not a parameter store. Option C is incorrect because CodeBuild does not store secrets natively.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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