The answer is to create a new KMS key every 90 days and re-encrypt the volumes using a script. This is correct because AWS KMS automatic key rotation only rotates the backing key annually, not every 90 days, so you must manually rotate by generating a new key and then re-encrypting the EBS volumes—typically via a snapshot-and-restore process with the new key. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of KMS key rotation limitations and the distinction between automatic annual rotation and manual 90-day compliance requirements. A common trap is assuming KMS automatic rotation can be configured for any interval, but it is fixed at one year; for shorter periods, you must create a new key and update the volume encryption. Memory tip: think "90 days, new key—annual auto won't work for quarterly."
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 a requirement to automatically rotate encryption keys for Amazon EBS volumes every 90 days. The EBS volumes are encrypted using AWS KMS. What is the simplest way to meet this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a new KMS key every 90 days and re-encrypt volumes using a script.
Option B is correct because automatic key rotation in KMS rotates the backing key annually, but for 90-day rotation you must create a new key and update volumes. Option A is wrong because KMS automatic rotation is yearly. Option C is wrong because manual rotation by creating a new key and updating volumes is required. Option D is wrong because you cannot change key on existing volumes without snapshot/restore.
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.
✗
Use AWS Secrets Manager to rotate the KMS key automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Secrets Manager does not rotate KMS keys.
✓
Create a new KMS key every 90 days and re-encrypt volumes using a script.
Why this is correct
Manual rotation with new key meets 90-day requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Switch to client-side encryption and rotate keys manually.
Why it's wrong here
EBS does not support client-side encryption natively.
✗
Enable automatic key rotation on the existing KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic rotation is yearly, not 90 days.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which SCS-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.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new KMS key every 90 days and re-encrypt volumes using a script. — Option B is correct because automatic key rotation in KMS rotates the backing key annually, but for 90-day rotation you must create a new key and update volumes. Option A is wrong because KMS automatic rotation is yearly. Option C is wrong because manual rotation by creating a new key and updating volumes is required. Option D is wrong because you cannot change key on existing volumes without snapshot/restore.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SCS-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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This SCS-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 SCS-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
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