Most Efficient EBS Backup Method
A user needs to perform a one-time backup of an Amazon Elastic Block Store (Amazon EBS) volume that is attached to an Amazon EC2 instance. What is the MOST operationally efficient way to perform this backup?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
Tests knowledge of AWS storage services by distinguishing between native, automated backups and manual, labor-intensive copy methods.
Identifies creating an EBS snapshot as the most operationally efficient backup method for Amazon EC2 instances. This approach leverages native AWS capabilities to minimize administrative overhead.
Candidates often select scripting or cross-region copying options, failing to recognize that snapshots are the standard, built-in solution for point-in-time backups.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Creating an EBS snapshot is the most operationally efficient method because it is a managed service provided directly by AWS. Snapshots capture a point-in-time state of the volume without requiring manual data movement or external scripts. This process is fast, incremental, and integrates seamlessly with other AWS services like Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager for automation.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Attaching another volume and copying contents (Option A) requires manual intervention and increases operational complexity. Copying data outside AWS via Direct Connect (Option B) introduces network latency and security considerations, making it inefficient for simple backups. Creating custom scripts to copy to S3 (Option D) adds significant development and maintenance overhead compared to using a native one-click or API-driven snapshot feature.Community Comment Notes
The community consensus strongly supports Option C, with 100% of votes selecting it. Users highlight that snapshots are designed specifically for disaster recovery and migration, simplifying lifecycle management. One commenter noted that AWS further simplifies this through integration with tools like Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager, reinforcing the efficiency argument.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Always look for the native AWS service first. If a question asks for the 'most operationally efficient' or 'simplest' way to perform a task, the answer is usually a managed service rather than a manual or scripted workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is copying to S3 not the most efficient?
Copying to S3 requires custom scripting and data transfer time. Snapshots are native, faster, and automatically versioned.
Can I use snapshots for disaster recovery?
Yes, snapshots provide a point-in-time copy ideal for disaster recovery, allowing you to restore volumes or create AMIs.
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