- A
Launch an unencrypted RDS instance, then use AWS DMS to replicate data to an encrypted instance in another region.
Why wrong: DMS can migrate data but does not provide cross-region DR with automated backups.
- B
Launch an unencrypted RDS instance, then enable encryption using the AWS Console after creation.
Why wrong: RDS encryption can only be enabled at launch; cannot be added later.
- C
Launch an encrypted RDS instance using the default KMS key, then export the database to S3 and copy to another region.
Why wrong: Exporting to S3 is not a disaster recovery solution; lacks automated backups.
- D
Launch an encrypted RDS instance using a customer-managed KMS key. Enable automated backups and create a cross-region read replica.
Encrypted RDS supports encrypted backups and cross-region replicas.
Architecting Encrypted RDS for Cross-Region Disaster Recovery
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. A key principle to apply: encryption at rest (RDS). 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 security engineer is designing a solution to protect sensitive data in an Amazon RDS for MySQL database. The data must be encrypted at rest using a key stored in AWS KMS. Additionally, the database must support automated backups and cross-region disaster recovery. Which architecture meets these requirements?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Launch an encrypted RDS instance using a customer-managed KMS key. Enable automated backups and create a cross-region read replica.
Option D meets all requirements: launching an encrypted RDS instance with a customer-managed KMS key enables encryption at rest, automated backups are encrypted automatically, and cross-region read replicas are supported from encrypted sources (though the replica must use the same KMS key or a replica key in the destination region). Option A is incorrect because migrating with DMS does not provide native encryption at rest for the source. Option B is incorrect because you cannot enable encryption on an existing RDS instance; a new encrypted instance must be created. Option C is incorrect because exporting to S3 is not necessary and does not replace native encryption and cross-region replica capabilities.
Key principle: Encryption at rest (RDS)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Launch an unencrypted RDS instance, then use AWS DMS to replicate data to an encrypted instance in another region.
Why it's wrong here
DMS can migrate data but does not provide cross-region DR with automated backups.
- ✗
Launch an unencrypted RDS instance, then enable encryption using the AWS Console after creation.
Why it's wrong here
RDS encryption can only be enabled at launch; cannot be added later.
- ✗
Launch an encrypted RDS instance using the default KMS key, then export the database to S3 and copy to another region.
Why it's wrong here
Exporting to S3 is not a disaster recovery solution; lacks automated backups.
- ✓
Launch an encrypted RDS instance using a customer-managed KMS key. Enable automated backups and create a cross-region read replica.
Why this is correct
Encrypted RDS supports encrypted backups and cross-region replicas.
Related concept
Encryption at rest (RDS)
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is assuming you can enable encryption on an existing RDS instance via the console, but this is not supported. Another trap is thinking cross-region read replicas cannot be created from encrypted instances, but they can (with key replication).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Encryption at rest (RDS)
- Customer-managed KMS key
- Cross-region read replica
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
Encryption at rest (RDS)
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.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review encryption at rest (RDS), then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Data Protection — study guide chapter
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Data Protection practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Encryption at rest (RDS).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Launch an encrypted RDS instance using a customer-managed KMS key. Enable automated backups and create a cross-region read replica. — Option D meets all requirements: launching an encrypted RDS instance with a customer-managed KMS key enables encryption at rest, automated backups are encrypted automatically, and cross-region read replicas are supported from encrypted sources (though the replica must use the same KMS key or a replica key in the destination region). Option A is incorrect because migrating with DMS does not provide native encryption at rest for the source. Option B is incorrect because you cannot enable encryption on an existing RDS instance; a new encrypted instance must be created. Option C is incorrect because exporting to S3 is not necessary and does not replace native encryption and cross-region replica capabilities.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review encryption at rest (RDS), then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Encryption at rest (RDS)
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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