The correct approach is to create a cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled. This works because Amazon RDS for MySQL allows you to launch a read replica in a different AWS Region, and when you create that replica, you can specify a new KMS key to enable encryption at rest for the replica—even if the source DB instance is unencrypted. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that encryption cannot be added to an existing unencrypted RDS instance, but cross-Region replication provides both continuous disaster recovery and the ability to encrypt the target. A common trap is assuming you can simply enable encryption on the source or that a snapshot copy alone suffices for DR, but snapshots lack ongoing replication. Memory tip: “Replicate to encrypt across Regions—snapshots are static, replicas are dynamic.”
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. 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 is designing a disaster recovery plan for its Amazon RDS for MySQL database. The database must be encrypted at rest. Which approach ensures that the database is encrypted and can be restored in another AWS Region?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled
Option C (Use a cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled) is correct because it replicates data to another Region and encryption can be enabled. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted DB instance is not supported. Option B is wrong because a snapshot copy with encryption can be restored but does not provide continuous replication. Option D is wrong because S3 is not used for RDS backups directly.
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.
✗
Enable encryption on the existing DB instance
Why it's wrong here
You cannot enable encryption on an existing unencrypted DB instance.
✗
Export the database to Amazon S3 and use S3 cross-Region replication
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard RDS DR approach.
✗
Create a manual snapshot and copy it to another Region with encryption
Why it's wrong here
This is a valid approach for backup but not for continuous DR.
✓
Create a cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled
Why this is correct
Cross-Region read replicas provide DR and can be encrypted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
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 cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled — Option C (Use a cross-Region read replica with encryption enabled) is correct because it replicates data to another Region and encryption can be enabled. Option A is wrong because enabling encryption on an existing unencrypted DB instance is not supported. Option B is wrong because a snapshot copy with encryption can be restored but does not provide continuous replication. Option D is wrong because S3 is not used for RDS backups directly.
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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Question Discussion
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