At-rest encryption protects stored data from unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality and security even if physical storage devices are lost, stolen, or compromised. It is essential for safeguarding sensitive information, meeting regulatory compliance, securing data under GDPR and HIPAA, and helping to prevent data breaches.
At-rest encryption secures data by encoding it while it is stored on disks, databases, or other storage systems. Access to the encrypted data requires decryption keys, ensuring that only authorized users or systems can read the information. This layer of protection helps organizations mitigate risks associated with data theft and cyberattacks.
For example, in the defense sector, at-rest encryption is critical for safeguarding classified military intelligence, personnel records, and operational plans. In the instance of a stolen laptop containing encrypted defense contracts, the data would remain inaccessible without the proper decryption key, preventing adversaries from exploiting sensitive information.