The correct answer is to use encrypted EBS volumes with AWS KMS customer-managed keys, alongside enabling EBS encryption by default. These two actions ensure data at rest is protected because default encryption automatically applies encryption to any new EBS volume created in the account, while using KMS customer-managed keys gives you control over the encryption keys and their rotation policies. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that EBS encryption is a volume-level feature independent of the instance type or OS configuration, and a common trap is assuming the operating system or snapshots are automatically encrypted—they are not unless explicitly configured. Remember that EBS encryption at rest is handled by the AWS infrastructure, not the guest OS, so you must enable it at the volume or account level. Memory tip: “Default and KMS key—encrypt at rest, no OS needed.”
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which TWO actions can help protect data at rest in Amazon EBS volumes? (Choose 2.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS Account settings.
Options A and C are correct. A: Enabling EBS encryption by default ensures new volumes are encrypted. C: Using EBS encryption with KMS encrypts the volume at rest. Option B is wrong because data on EBS is not automatically encrypted; the OS must be configured. Option D is wrong because EBS snapshots are not automatically encrypted; they can be encrypted during copy. Option E is wrong because EBS encryption is independent of instance type.
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 automatic encryption of EBS snapshots by default.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots are not automatically encrypted; encryption is done during copy.
✗
Use an instance type that supports encryption at rest.
Why it's wrong here
Instance type does not determine EBS encryption.
✗
Configure the operating system to use encrypted file systems.
Why it's wrong here
This is a client-side measure, not an AWS-native one for data at rest.
✓
Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS Account settings.
Why this is correct
This encrypts all new EBS volumes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use encrypted EBS volumes with AWS KMS customer-managed keys.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Enable EBS encryption by default in the AWS Account settings. — Options A and C are correct. A: Enabling EBS encryption by default ensures new volumes are encrypted. C: Using EBS encryption with KMS encrypts the volume at rest. Option B is wrong because data on EBS is not automatically encrypted; the OS must be configured. Option D is wrong because EBS snapshots are not automatically encrypted; they can be encrypted during copy. Option E is wrong because EBS encryption is independent of instance type.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SCS-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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