- A
Use AWS KMS to encrypt the credentials and pass them as parameters.
Why wrong: KMS encrypts data but does not manage secrets.
- B
Attach an IAM role to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime.
Securely grants access without embedding secrets.
- C
Store the credentials directly in the Lambda function's environment variables.
Why wrong: Exposes secrets in the function configuration.
- D
Use Lambda environment variables with encryption enabled.
Why wrong: Still visible in plaintext in logs or configuration.
Question 430 of 1,750
DOP-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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 has an AWS Lambda function that processes sensitive data. The function needs to access an RDS database with credentials stored in Secrets Manager. What is the MOST secure way to grant the Lambda function access to the secret?
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 to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime.
The most secure way to grant a Lambda function access to a secret in AWS Secrets Manager is to attach an IAM role to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime (Option B). This follows the principle of least privilege and avoids hardcoding or embedding secrets in the function code. Option A is incorrect because AWS KMS is used for encryption, not for storing or retrieving secrets; Secrets Manager handles secret storage, and KMS can be used to encrypt secrets at rest. Option C is insecure because storing credentials directly in environment variables exposes them in plain text. Option D is also insecure because even with encryption enabled, environment variables can be exposed in logs or through the AWS Management Console, and they are not designed for secret management.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use AWS KMS to encrypt the credentials and pass them as parameters.
Why it's wrong here
KMS encrypts data but does not manage secrets.
- ✓
Attach an IAM role to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime.
Why this is correct
Securely grants access without embedding secrets.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Store the credentials directly in the Lambda function's environment variables.
Why it's wrong here
Exposes secrets in the function configuration.
- ✗
Use Lambda environment variables with encryption enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Still visible in plaintext in logs or configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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 |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DOP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Security and Compliance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Security and Compliance practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach an IAM role to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime. — The most secure way to grant a Lambda function access to a secret in AWS Secrets Manager is to attach an IAM role to the Lambda function with permissions to read the secret and retrieve it at runtime (Option B). This follows the principle of least privilege and avoids hardcoding or embedding secrets in the function code. Option A is incorrect because AWS KMS is used for encryption, not for storing or retrieving secrets; Secrets Manager handles secret storage, and KMS can be used to encrypt secrets at rest. Option C is insecure because storing credentials directly in environment variables exposes them in plain text. Option D is also insecure because even with encryption enabled, environment variables can be exposed in logs or through the AWS Management Console, and they are not designed for secret management.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DOP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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