The answer is enabling encryption on the DB instance at launch time and using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). These two methods are correct because encrypting at launch applies AWS-managed KMS encryption to the entire RDS instance, including all underlying storage, automated backups, and snapshots, while TDE is a native SQL Server feature that encrypts data files at the database level before they are written to disk. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between encryption at rest options specific to RDS for SQL Server versus encryption in transit or client-side methods. A common trap is confusing SSL/TLS (which protects data in transit) or column-level encryption (which is not natively managed by RDS) with at-rest encryption. Remember the memory tip: “Launch locks the whole instance, TDE targets the database files.”
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 company needs to encrypt data at rest in Amazon RDS for SQL Server. Which TWO methods can be used? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
Options A and B are correct. Enabling encryption at launch encrypts the entire instance, and Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a SQL Server feature for encryption. Option C is incorrect because column-level encryption is possible but not native to RDS. Option D is incorrect because SSL/TLS encrypts data in transit, not at rest. Option E is incorrect because client-side encryption is not an RDS feature.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use a client-side encryption library.
Why it's wrong here
Client-side encryption is not an RDS method.
✗
Use column-level encryption with Always Encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
Always Encrypted is a client-side feature, not supported by RDS.
✗
Use SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt the connection.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Enable encryption on the DB instance at launch time.
Why this is correct
RDS encryption at rest is enabled at instance creation.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). — Options A and B are correct. Enabling encryption at launch encrypts the entire instance, and Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a SQL Server feature for encryption. Option C is incorrect because column-level encryption is possible but not native to RDS. Option D is incorrect because SSL/TLS encrypts data in transit, not at rest. Option E is incorrect because client-side encryption is not an RDS feature.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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