The correct answer is to configure the application to use an encrypted protocol, such as TLS/SSL, when connecting to the database. This is the fundamental action because encryption in transit protects data as it moves between the application and database tiers, ensuring that even if traffic is intercepted, it remains unreadable. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that network-level controls like security groups or VPC Peering do not inherently encrypt traffic; encryption must be implemented at the application layer. A common trap is assuming that placing resources in the same VPC or using security groups provides encryption, but they only control access, not confidentiality. To remember this, think: "Encryption is an application responsibility, not a network feature."
SCS-C02 Infrastructure Security Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure security. 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 is designing a VPC with multiple subnets. The security team wants to ensure that traffic between the application tier and database tier is encrypted in transit. Which TWO actions should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable encryption on the database connections using TLS/SSL
Options A and C are correct. Using TLS/SSL for database connections encrypts data in transit, and ensuring the application uses an encrypted protocol is fundamental. Option B is wrong because VPC Peering does not encrypt traffic. Option D is wrong because security groups do not encrypt. Option E is wrong because an internet gateway does not provide encryption.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Attach an internet gateway to the database subnet
Why it's wrong here
Internet gateway does not provide encryption and exposes the database.
✓
Enable encryption on the database connections using TLS/SSL
Why this is correct
TLS/SSL encrypts data between application and database.
VPC Peering does not encrypt traffic; it only routes it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Infrastructure Security — This question tests Infrastructure Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable encryption on the database connections using TLS/SSL — Options A and C are correct. Using TLS/SSL for database connections encrypts data in transit, and ensuring the application uses an encrypted protocol is fundamental. Option B is wrong because VPC Peering does not encrypt traffic. Option D is wrong because security groups do not encrypt. Option E is wrong because an internet gateway does not provide encryption.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SCS-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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