The answer is to enable SSL on both the source and target endpoints in the DMS task. This is correct because AWS DMS supports SSL/TLS to encrypt data in transit between endpoints, ensuring that data moving from the on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL is protected against interception during migration. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of how DMS handles in-transit encryption separately from at-rest encryption, with a common trap being to confuse KMS (which encrypts at rest) or to assume a VPN or Direct Connect is required—neither inherently encrypts traffic without SSL. Remember the memory tip: “SSL secures the stream, KMS secures the store.”
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 using AWS DMS to migrate data from an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. The data must be encrypted in transit. What should the company do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable SSL on the source and target endpoints in the DMS task.
Option D is correct because DMS supports SSL/TLS for encrypting data in transit between endpoints. Option A is incorrect because VPN is not required; DMS supports SSL directly. Option B is incorrect because KMS encrypts at rest, not in transit. Option C is incorrect because Direct Connect provides a private network but does not inherently encrypt traffic; SSL is still needed.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 Direct Connect to establish a private connection.
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect does not encrypt data by default; additional encryption is needed.
✓
Enable SSL on the source and target endpoints in the DMS task.
Why this is correct
DMS supports SSL to encrypt data in transit between endpoints.
Set up a VPN connection between the on-premises network and AWS VPC.
Why it's wrong here
While a VPN encrypts traffic, DMS can use SSL directly without a VPN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable SSL on the source and target endpoints in the DMS task. — Option D is correct because DMS supports SSL/TLS for encrypting data in transit between endpoints. Option A is incorrect because VPN is not required; DMS supports SSL directly. Option B is incorrect because KMS encrypts at rest, not in transit. Option C is incorrect because Direct Connect provides a private network but does not inherently encrypt traffic; SSL is still needed.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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