- A
To generate a data key without plaintext.
Why wrong: This option describes generating a data key without plaintext, which would use the GenerateDataKey API, not the command shown.
- B
To re-encrypt an existing encrypted file under a new key.
Why wrong: This option describes re-encrypting an existing encrypted file under a new key, which would use the ReEncrypt API, not the command shown.
- C
To decrypt the file secret.txt using a KMS key.
Why wrong: This option describes decrypting a file, which would use the Decrypt API, not the command shown.
- D
To encrypt the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and store the result in encrypted_secret.txt.
This option correctly identifies that the command encrypts the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and stores the resulting ciphertext in encrypted_secret.txt.
AWS KMS Encrypt CLI Command
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 runs the command shown in the exhibit. What is the primary purpose of this command?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
To encrypt the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and store the result in encrypted_secret.txt.
The correct answer is D. The command uses the AWS KMS encrypt API to encrypt the contents of secret.txt with a KMS key. It then extracts the base64-encoded ciphertext blob and decodes it to write the raw encrypted output to encrypted_secret.txt. Option A describes generating a data key without plaintext, which uses the GenerateDataKey API. Option B describes re-encryption, which uses the ReEncrypt API. Option C describes decryption, which uses the Decrypt API. Therefore, only option D accurately describes the command's purpose.
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.
- ✗
To generate a data key without plaintext.
Why it's wrong here
This option describes generating a data key without plaintext, which would use the GenerateDataKey API, not the command shown.
- ✗
To re-encrypt an existing encrypted file under a new key.
Why it's wrong here
This option describes re-encrypting an existing encrypted file under a new key, which would use the ReEncrypt API, not the command shown.
- ✗
To decrypt the file secret.txt using a KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
This option describes decrypting a file, which would use the Decrypt API, not the command shown.
- ✓
To encrypt the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and store the result in encrypted_secret.txt.
Why this is correct
This option correctly identifies that the command encrypts the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and stores the resulting ciphertext in encrypted_secret.txt.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This option describes generating a data key without plaintext, which would use the GenerateDataKey API, not the command shown.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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: To encrypt the contents of secret.txt using a KMS key and store the result in encrypted_secret.txt. — The correct answer is D. The command uses the AWS KMS encrypt API to encrypt the contents of secret.txt with a KMS key. It then extracts the base64-encoded ciphertext blob and decodes it to write the raw encrypted output to encrypted_secret.txt. Option A describes generating a data key without plaintext, which uses the GenerateDataKey API. Option B describes re-encryption, which uses the ReEncrypt API. Option C describes decryption, which uses the Decrypt API. Therefore, only option D accurately describes the command's purpose.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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