- A
Deploy a VPN connection between the EC2 instances and the RDS database.
Why wrong: A VPN between EC2 and RDS adds complexity and does not enhance encryption since SSL is already in use; it is not necessary for this requirement.
- B
Use a client-side encryption library to encrypt data before sending.
Client-side encryption encrypts the data before SSL, providing an additional layer that protects data even if SSL is compromised or bypassed.
- C
Enable encryption at rest on the RDS instance.
Why wrong: Encryption at rest protects data stored on disk, not data in transit. The requirement is about data in transit.
- D
Use IAM database authentication with SSL.
Why wrong: IAM database authentication is about authentication, not encryption. It does not add confidentiality beyond SSL.
ANS-C01 Defense in depth Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. 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. A key principle to apply: defense in depth. 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 a requirement to encrypt all data in transit between EC2 instances and an RDS database. The database is in a private subnet, and the application connects using an SSL connection. The security team wants to ensure that even if the network is compromised, the data remains confidential. What additional measure should be taken?
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
Use a client-side encryption library to encrypt data before sending.
Option B is correct because client-side encryption adds an additional layer of security beyond SSL. Even if the network is compromised and SSL is bypassed, the data remains encrypted, ensuring confidentiality. Option D is incorrect: IAM database authentication provides authentication, not encryption; it does not enhance data confidentiality beyond what SSL already offers. Option A is wrong: a VPN between EC2 and RDS adds unnecessary complexity and does not replace or augment SSL encryption. Option C is wrong: encryption at rest protects stored data, not data in transit.
Key principle: Defense in depth
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deploy a VPN connection between the EC2 instances and the RDS database.
- ✓
Use a client-side encryption library to encrypt data before sending.
Why this is correct
Client-side encryption encrypts the data before SSL, providing an additional layer that protects data even if SSL is compromised or bypassed.
Related concept
Defense in depth
- ✗
Enable encryption at rest on the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest protects data stored on disk, not data in transit. The requirement is about data in transit.
- ✗
Use IAM database authentication with SSL.
Why it's wrong here
IAM database authentication is about authentication, not encryption. It does not add confidentiality beyond SSL.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse authentication with encryption. IAM database authentication improves access control but does not add encryption; the question specifically asks for data confidentiality beyond SSL.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Defense in depth
- Client-side encryption
- SSL/TLS
- IAM database authentication
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
Defense in depth
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review defense in depth, then practise related ANS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ANS-C01 question test?
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Defense in depth.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a client-side encryption library to encrypt data before sending. — Option B is correct because client-side encryption adds an additional layer of security beyond SSL. Even if the network is compromised and SSL is bypassed, the data remains encrypted, ensuring confidentiality. Option D is incorrect: IAM database authentication provides authentication, not encryption; it does not enhance data confidentiality beyond what SSL already offers. Option A is wrong: a VPN between EC2 and RDS adds unnecessary complexity and does not replace or augment SSL encryption. Option C is wrong: encryption at rest protects stored data, not data in transit.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review defense in depth, then practise related ANS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Defense in depth
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This ANS-C01 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 ANS-C01 exam.
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