The correct answer is to use Snowball Edge with its default encryption settings, as the device automatically handles both encryption at rest and in transit. Snowball Edge encrypts all data stored on its hard drives using AES-256, and when transferring data to AWS, it enforces TLS to secure the data in transit, meaning no additional configuration or third-party tools are required. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Snowball Edge’s built-in security features versus common misconceptions—many candidates mistakenly think they need to set up a VPN, integrate AWS KMS directly, or apply client-side encryption, but Snowball Edge manages encryption transparently. A frequent trap is overcomplicating the answer; remember that Snowball Edge is a fully managed service where encryption is enabled by default. Memory tip: think “Snowball’s double lock”—AES-256 for rest, TLS for transit, no extra steps needed.
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 is migrating on-premises data to AWS using AWS Snowball Edge. The data must be encrypted in transit and at rest. Which combination of steps 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
✓
Use Snowball Edge with default encryption settings; data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
Option A is correct because Snowball Edge automatically encrypts data at rest using AES-256 and uses TLS for transfer. Option B is incorrect because VPN is not used with Snowball. Option C is incorrect because KMS is not directly used for Snowball encryption. Option D is incorrect because client-side encryption is not required by default.
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.
✗
Encrypt the data with a client-side tool before copying to Snowball Edge.
Why it's wrong here
Snowball Edge already encrypts data at rest; additional client-side encryption is optional but not required.
✗
Set up a VPN connection to AWS and transfer data over the VPN.
Why it's wrong here
Snowball Edge is a physical device; VPN is not used for data transfer.
✗
Use AWS KMS to generate a key and apply it to the Snowball Edge device.
Why it's wrong here
Snowball Edge uses its own built-in hardware encryption; KMS is not used directly.
✓
Use Snowball Edge with default encryption settings; data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
Why this is correct
Snowball Edge uses AES-256 for at-rest encryption and TLS for in-transit encryption by default.
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 Snowball Edge with default encryption settings; data is encrypted at rest and in transit. — Option A is correct because Snowball Edge automatically encrypts data at rest using AES-256 and uses TLS for transfer. Option B is incorrect because VPN is not used with Snowball. Option C is incorrect because KMS is not directly used for Snowball encryption. Option D is incorrect because client-side encryption is not required by default.
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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