The correct answer is to create the DynamoDB table with a customer managed key (CMK) and enable automatic key rotation. This works because DynamoDB encrypts all data at rest using AWS KMS, and when you specify a CMK at table creation, the global secondary index (GSI) automatically inherits the same encryption settings—no separate configuration is needed. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that encryption keys cannot be changed after table creation without rebuilding the table, and that only a CMK allows you to control rotation policies. A common trap is assuming you can enable encryption on the GSI independently or that an AWS managed key supports customer-controlled rotation. Remember the memory tip: “CMK at create, GSI inherits, rotate automatically—no rebuild needed.”
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 financial services company is designing a data protection strategy for its DynamoDB table containing sensitive customer data. The table has a global secondary index (GSI). The company needs to encrypt the data at rest using a customer managed key (CMK) that is rotated annually. Which solution meets these requirements?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create the table with a customer managed key (CMK) and enable automatic key rotation
DynamoDB supports encryption at rest using AWS KMS. When a table is created, you can specify a CMK. The GSI inherits the encryption settings from the base table. Option D is correct because you can specify a CMK at table creation and enable automatic key rotation. Option A is incorrect because you cannot change the encryption key after table creation without recreating the table. Option B is incorrect because using an AWS managed key does not allow customer-controlled rotation. Option C is incorrect because enabling encryption on the GSI separately is not supported; encryption is inherited from the table.
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.
✗
Create the table with default encryption, then update the table to use a CMK and enable automatic rotation
Why it's wrong here
Cannot update encryption after creation.
✗
Create the table without encryption, then enable encryption on the table and GSI separately using a CMK
Why it's wrong here
Encryption must be enabled at creation; GSI inherits settings.
✗
Create the table with an AWS managed key and use AWS KMS automatic rotation
Why it's wrong here
AWS managed keys are rotated automatically but not customer controlled.
✓
Create the table with a customer managed key (CMK) and enable automatic key rotation
Why this is correct
CMK with auto rotation meets requirements; GSI inherits encryption.
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.
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: Create the table with a customer managed key (CMK) and enable automatic key rotation — DynamoDB supports encryption at rest using AWS KMS. When a table is created, you can specify a CMK. The GSI inherits the encryption settings from the base table. Option D is correct because you can specify a CMK at table creation and enable automatic key rotation. Option A is incorrect because you cannot change the encryption key after table creation without recreating the table. Option B is incorrect because using an AWS managed key does not allow customer-controlled rotation. Option C is incorrect because enabling encryption on the GSI separately is not supported; encryption is inherited from the table.
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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Question Discussion
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