- A
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS.
Encrypts the database storage and automated backups.
- B
Enable SSL/TLS for connections to the database.
Why wrong: This protects data in transit, not at rest.
- C
Delete automated backups after 30 days.
Why wrong: Deleting backups does not protect data at rest; backups may still be unencrypted.
- D
Enable encryption for automated backups using the same KMS key.
Ensures that backups are also encrypted at rest.
- E
Enable deletion protection for the RDS instance.
Why wrong: Prevents deletion but does not encrypt data.
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 security engineer is designing a data protection strategy for Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. The database contains sensitive personal information. Which TWO actions should the engineer take to protect the data at rest? (Choose TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS.
Enabling encryption at rest for RDS (Option A) and enabling automated backups with encryption (Option D) ensure data at rest is encrypted. Deleting backups (Option B) does not protect data at rest. Enabling encryption in transit (Option C) protects data in motion. Enabling deletion protection (Option E) prevents accidental deletion but does not encrypt 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.
- ✓
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS.
Why this is correct
Encrypts the database storage and automated backups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable SSL/TLS for connections to the database.
Why it's wrong here
This protects data in transit, not at rest.
- ✗
Delete automated backups after 30 days.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting backups does not protect data at rest; backups may still be unencrypted.
- ✓
Enable encryption for automated backups using the same KMS key.
Why this is correct
Ensures that backups are also encrypted at rest.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable deletion protection for the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Prevents deletion but does not encrypt data.
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.
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Data Protection — study guide chapter
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Data Protection practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
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 encryption at rest for the RDS instance using AWS KMS. — Enabling encryption at rest for RDS (Option A) and enabling automated backups with encryption (Option D) ensure data at rest is encrypted. Deleting backups (Option B) does not protect data at rest. Enabling encryption in transit (Option C) protects data in motion. Enabling deletion protection (Option E) prevents accidental deletion but does not encrypt 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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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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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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