Quick Answer
The answer is to enable the 'require_secure_transport' parameter in the DB parameter group. This configuration forces the RDS for MySQL instance to reject any unencrypted connections, ensuring that all data in transit is protected by TLS/SSL encryption. Technically, when this parameter is set to 1, the MySQL server checks every incoming connection for SSL negotiation and drops any attempt that does not use encryption, directly meeting the compliance requirement for encrypted in-transit traffic. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to enforce encryption at the database engine level rather than relying solely on network-layer controls like security groups or VPNs. A common trap is confusing encryption in transit with encryption at rest (KMS) or assuming that enabling SSL/TLS on the client side alone is sufficient—the server must also require it. Memory tip: think "require_secure_transport" as the database's bouncer—no SSL, no entry.
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security engineer is configuring a new Amazon RDS for MySQL database. The compliance team requires that all database connections be encrypted in transit. Which configuration ensures this requirement is met?
Enable encryption at rest using KMS
Why wrong: Encryption at rest does not protect data in transit.
Enable IAM database authentication
Why wrong: IAM auth does not enforce encryption in transit.
Set the 'ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group
Why wrong: This enables SSL but does not require it.
Enable the 'require_secure_transport' parameter in the DB parameter group
This forces all connections to use SSL.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable the 'require_secure_transport' parameter in the DB parameter group
Option D is correct because setting the 'require_secure_transport' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group forces all connections to the RDS for MySQL instance to use TLS/SSL encryption. This ensures that data in transit is encrypted, meeting the compliance requirement. The parameter enforces that only encrypted connections are accepted, rejecting any unencrypted attempts.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable encryption at rest using KMS
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest does not protect data in transit.
Enable IAM database authentication
Why it's wrong here
IAM auth does not enforce encryption in transit.
Set the 'ssl' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group
Why it's wrong here
This enables SSL but does not require it.
Enable the 'require_secure_transport' parameter in the DB parameter group
Why this is correct
This forces all connections to use SSL.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse enabling SSL support (the 'ssl' parameter) with requiring SSL (the 'require_secure_transport' parameter), thinking that simply enabling SSL on the server forces all clients to use it, but in reality, the server will accept both encrypted and unencrypted connections unless the requirement is explicitly enforced.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'require_secure_transport' parameter, when enabled, forces the MySQL server to reject any connection that does not use TLS/SSL, effectively making encryption mandatory. Under the hood, this works by checking the server's 'ssl' flag and the client's encryption status during the handshake; if the client does not present an SSL session, the connection is terminated. In a real-world scenario, if only 'ssl' is enabled, a misconfigured client could accidentally connect without encryption, leaving data exposed, which is why 'require_secure_transport' is the correct enforcement mechanism.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
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FAQ
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable the 'require_secure_transport' parameter in the DB parameter group — Option D is correct because setting the 'require_secure_transport' parameter to '1' in the DB parameter group forces all connections to the RDS for MySQL instance to use TLS/SSL encryption. This ensures that data in transit is encrypted, meeting the compliance requirement. The parameter enforces that only encrypted connections are accepted, rejecting any unencrypted attempts.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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