The answer is to configure the application to connect using TLS/SSL and enable the RDS instance to require encrypted connections. This is correct because encryption in transit protects data as it moves between the EC2 instance and the RDS database, and TLS/SSL is the only mechanism that secures the actual database traffic at the application layer. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that security group rules control access, not encryption, and that enabling encryption at rest or using a VPN does not enforce encryption at the database protocol level. A common trap is confusing network-level controls like security groups or VPNs with application-layer encryption, so remember that the database client must explicitly request a TLS connection. Memory tip: think "TLS on the wire, not just at the door" — encryption in transit requires the application to speak TLS, not just the network to be private.
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 needs to enforce encryption in transit for all traffic between an Amazon EC2 instance and an Amazon RDS database. Which TWO steps should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable TLS on the RDS database and configure the database to require encrypted connections.
Options C and E are correct. To enforce encryption in transit, you must enable TLS on the RDS instance and require encrypted connections from the client. Option A is wrong because security group rules do not enforce encryption. Option B is wrong because using a VPN does not enforce encryption at the database layer. Option D is wrong because enabling encryption at rest does not affect transit.
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 TLS on the RDS database and configure the database to require encrypted connections.
Why this is correct
Enforces encryption for client connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure security groups to allow traffic only on port 3306 (MySQL) or 5432 (PostgreSQL).
Why it's wrong here
Does not enforce encryption.
✗
Set up a VPN connection between the EC2 instance and the RDS database.
Why it's wrong here
VPN encrypts the network layer but does not enforce database encryption.
✗
Enable encryption at rest on the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest does not affect data in transit.
✓
Configure the application to connect using TLS/SSL.
Why this is correct
Ensures the client uses encryption.
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 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.
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: Enable TLS on the RDS database and configure the database to require encrypted connections. — Options C and E are correct. To enforce encryption in transit, you must enable TLS on the RDS instance and require encrypted connections from the client. Option A is wrong because security group rules do not enforce encryption. Option B is wrong because using a VPN does not enforce encryption at the database layer. Option D is wrong because enabling encryption at rest does not affect transit.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.