Which encryption mechanism allows an IT administrator to ensure data stored in Amazon S3 is encrypted without managing keys?

SSE-S3, or Server-Side Encryption with S3 Managed Keys, allows IT administrators to ensure that data stored in Amazon S3 is encrypted without the need to manage encryption keys themselves. When using SSE-S3, Amazon S3 handles all aspects of the encryption process automatically. This includes the generation and management of encryption keys, which are used to encrypt and decrypt data as it is read and written in S3.

The key advantage of SSE-S3 is its simplicity and ease of use. Administrators can enable encryption on their S3 buckets or objects without needing to manage key expiration, rotation, or security, allowing them to focus on other tasks. The service handles encryption seamlessly, ensuring that data is encrypted at rest. This means that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access, enhancing the overall security of the information stored in S3.

In contrast, the other options involve some level of key management or complexity that isn't required with SSE-S3. For instance, SSE-KMS utilizes AWS Key Management Service and requires the administration of key policies and IAM roles. Client-side encryption involves encrypting data before it is uploaded to S3, putting the responsibility of key management back on the user. SSE-C also requires the user to manage their own encryption