Most Efficient EBS Backup Method
Short answer
C Create an EBS snapshot of the volume.
Question
Key Takeaways
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.
Common mistake: 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.
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
https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/ebs-backups.html
This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
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?
Can I use snapshots for disaster recovery?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 3 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 3
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its_tima 👍 1"Protect block storage data in the cloud, as well as on-premises block data using Amazon EBS Snapshots – a point-in-time copy that can be used to enable disaster recovery, migrate data across regions and accounts, and improve backup compliance. AWS further simplifies the lifecycle management of your snapshots through integration with Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager..."
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d00b229 👍 1The MOST operationally efficient way to perform a one-time backup of an Amazon Elastic Block Store (Amazon EBS) volume that is attached to an Amazon EC2 instance is: C. Create an EBS snapshot of the volume.
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ShaiTay 👍 1 Answered CC. Create an EBS snapshot of the volume.
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