The answer is to enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS account. This is the simplest configuration because it automatically encrypts all new EBS volumes at rest using the account’s default KMS key, eliminating the need to manually specify encryption for each volume or manage OS-level encryption tools. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of account-wide security controls versus manual or application-level approaches; a common trap is assuming you must encrypt each volume individually or rely on the operating system, but AWS handles it transparently at the storage layer. Remember that enabling default encryption is a one-time account setting that applies to all future volumes, making it the most efficient and least error-prone method. Memory tip: think “set it and forget it” — once you flip the default encryption switch, every new EBS volume is automatically protected.
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 wants to ensure that data at rest in Amazon EBS volumes is encrypted. What is the simplest way to achieve this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS account.
Option B is correct because enabling EBS encryption by default in the account encrypts all new volumes. Option A is incorrect because each volume does not need manual encryption. Option C is incorrect because encryption is not applied at the OS level. Option D is incorrect because KMS is used for key management, but the simplest is to enable default encryption.
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 EBS encryption by default in the AWS account.
Why this is correct
Enabling default encryption ensures all new EBS volumes are encrypted automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use AWS KMS to create a custom key and attach it to each volume.
Why it's wrong here
KMS keys are used, but enabling default encryption is simpler.
✗
Encrypt each volume manually using the AWS Management Console.
Why it's wrong here
Manual encryption is possible but not the simplest method.
✗
Use an operating system-level encryption tool like LUKS.
Why it's wrong here
OS-level encryption is an option but not the simplest AWS-native approach.
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: Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS account. — Option B is correct because enabling EBS encryption by default in the account encrypts all new volumes. Option A is incorrect because each volume does not need manual encryption. Option C is incorrect because encryption is not applied at the OS level. Option D is incorrect because KMS is used for key management, but the simplest is to enable default encryption.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company wants to ensure that data stored in Amazon EBS volumes is encrypted at rest. What is the easiest way to achieve this?
easy
A.Use AWS KMS to rotate the EBS encryption key
B.Use a script to encrypt each volume after creation
✓ C.Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS Region
D.Use application-level encryption
Why C: Enable EBS encryption by default for the AWS Region. Option B is wrong because individual volume encryption can be done, but default is easier. Option C is wrong because encryption at the application layer is not necessary. Option D is wrong because KMS key rotation does not enable encryption.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
Question Discussion
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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.
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