Quick Answer
The answer is an AWS managed key for EBS, because these keys are automatically rotated annually by AWS without any manual intervention. The technical concept here is that AWS managed keys, part of AWS Key Management Service (KMS), have built-in automatic annual rotation enabled by default, whereas customer managed keys require you to explicitly enable rotation, and imported key material does not support automatic rotation at all. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the key management hierarchy and the specific rotation behaviors tied to each key type. A common trap is assuming that any key with "managed" in the name behaves the same, but the exam distinguishes between AWS managed keys (fully managed rotation) and customer managed keys (optional rotation). Remember the memory tip: "AWS managed means annual rotation is automatic; customer managed means you must manage the toggle."
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 company needs to encrypt data at rest in its Amazon EBS volumes. The company wants to use an encryption key that is automatically rotated every year without any manual intervention. Which key type should be used?
Imported key material in a customer managed key
Why wrong: Imported keys cannot be rotated automatically.
AWS managed key for EBS
AWS managed keys are automatically rotated annually.
Customer managed key with manual rotation
Why wrong: Manual rotation does not meet automatic requirement.
Default EBS encryption using an AWS managed key
Why wrong: This is a correct key type but the question asks which key type, not the default.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS managed key for EBS
AWS managed keys are automatically rotated annually. Customer managed keys can have automatic rotation enabled, but the question implies a managed solution. Option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because customer managed keys require enabling automatic rotation. Option C is incorrect because imported keys do not support automatic rotation. Option D is incorrect because the default EBS encryption uses an AWS managed key, but the question asks for the key type.
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.
Imported key material in a customer managed key
Why it's wrong here
Imported keys cannot be rotated automatically.
AWS managed key for EBS
Why this is correct
AWS managed keys are automatically rotated annually.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Customer managed key with manual rotation
Why it's wrong here
Manual rotation does not meet automatic requirement.
Default EBS encryption using an AWS managed key
Why it's wrong here
This is a correct key type but the question asks which key type, not the default.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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 — study guide chapter
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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: AWS managed key for EBS — AWS managed keys are automatically rotated annually. Customer managed keys can have automatic rotation enabled, but the question implies a managed solution. Option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because customer managed keys require enabling automatic rotation. Option C is incorrect because imported keys do not support automatic rotation. Option D is incorrect because the default EBS encryption uses an AWS managed key, but the question asks for the key type.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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