The correct answer is to delete the AWS KMS customer master key (CMK) used to encrypt the DynamoDB table, after verifying no other data depends on it. This works because cryptographic erasure renders the encrypted data permanently unrecoverable by destroying the only key that can decrypt it, effectively making the ciphertext useless even if the underlying data blocks remain on storage. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that deleting a KMS key is a one-way, irreversible action—distinct from disabling the key, which only temporarily blocks decryption and leaves the encrypted data intact. A common trap is confusing TTL-based deletion with cryptographic erasure; TTL simply removes the item from queries but does not encrypt or destroy the underlying data. Remember the mnemonic: “Delete the key, kill the data—disable just delays the fate.”
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 uses AWS KMS to encrypt data in Amazon DynamoDB. The table has a TTL attribute that triggers automatic deletion of expired items. The security team is concerned that deleted items may still be recoverable. What should the team do to ensure that deleted items are cryptographically erased and cannot be recovered?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Delete the KMS customer master key (CMK) used to encrypt the table after verifying no other data depends on it.
Option A is correct. To cryptographically erase data, you must delete the KMS key that was used to encrypt it. However, deleting a KMS key is irreversible and may affect other data. Option B is wrong because disabling the key prevents decryption, but the encrypted data still exists. Option C is wrong because the TTL deletion does not encrypt the data. Option D is wrong because DynamoDB backups are separate; you need to delete the key or the data.
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.
✓
Delete the KMS customer master key (CMK) used to encrypt the table after verifying no other data depends on it.
Why this is correct
Deleting the CMK renders the encrypted data unrecoverable, providing cryptographic erasure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the KMS key to prevent decryption of deleted items.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling prevents decryption but the encrypted data remains; it can be re-enabled.
✗
Configure DynamoDB TTL to encrypt the items before deletion.
Why it's wrong here
TTL does not encrypt items; it only deletes them.
✗
Create a backup of the table and then delete the table.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the table does not cryptographically erase the data; backups may still exist.
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: Delete the KMS customer master key (CMK) used to encrypt the table after verifying no other data depends on it. — Option A is correct. To cryptographically erase data, you must delete the KMS key that was used to encrypt it. However, deleting a KMS key is irreversible and may affect other data. Option B is wrong because disabling the key prevents decryption, but the encrypted data still exists. Option C is wrong because the TTL deletion does not encrypt the data. Option D is wrong because DynamoDB backups are separate; you need to delete the key or the data.
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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