The correct procedure is to take a snapshot of the existing Redshift cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled using an AWS KMS customer managed key, and then point applications to the new cluster. This is necessary because Amazon Redshift does not allow enabling encryption on an existing cluster directly; encryption settings are immutable after cluster creation, so the only way to encrypt data at rest is through the snapshot restore method. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of Redshift’s encryption limitations and the proper migration workflow, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly look for an “enable encryption” toggle in the console. A common memory tip is to remember that encryption is a “build-time” decision, not a “run-time” toggle—think “snapshot and swap” to avoid the trap of trying to modify the original cluster.
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
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 Amazon Redshift. They want to use an AWS KMS customer managed key. What is the correct procedure to enable encryption for an existing Redshift cluster?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Take a snapshot of the cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled, and point applications to the new cluster.
Amazon Redshift does not support enabling encryption on an existing cluster directly. The only way to transition an unencrypted cluster to an encrypted one is to take a snapshot of the cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled using a KMS customer managed key, and then redirect applications to the new cluster. This is because encryption settings are immutable after cluster creation.
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 using the Redshift console by selecting the KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Console does not allow enabling encryption on existing cluster.
✗
Use the AWS CLI command 'aws redshift modify-cluster' with --encrypted flag.
Why it's wrong here
Not supported for existing clusters.
✗
Modify the cluster and enable encryption with the KMS key.
Why it's wrong here
Redshift does not allow modifying existing cluster to add encryption.
✓
Take a snapshot of the cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled, and point applications to the new cluster.
Why this is correct
Snapshots can be restored to encrypted clusters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume encryption can be toggled on an existing cluster via console or CLI commands, similar to services like RDS or EBS, but Redshift enforces encryption as a cluster-level immutable property.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Redshift encrypts data at rest using envelope encryption with a root key (either AWS managed or customer managed via KMS). The encryption is tied to the cluster's underlying hardware and storage volume, which cannot be altered post-provisioning. In real-world scenarios, this limitation means organizations must plan encryption at launch or use snapshot restore to migrate, which can incur downtime and require application reconfiguration.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Take a snapshot of the cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled, and point applications to the new cluster. — Amazon Redshift does not support enabling encryption on an existing cluster directly. The only way to transition an unencrypted cluster to an encrypted one is to take a snapshot of the cluster, restore it to a new cluster with encryption enabled using a KMS customer managed key, and then redirect applications to the new cluster. This is because encryption settings are immutable after cluster creation.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.