Encryption at Rest

What is Encryption at Rest?

Encryption at rest refers to the protection of data that is physically stored on a disk, server, or backup media. By converting the information into an unreadable format using cryptographic keys, it ensures that the data remains secure even if the storage hardware is stolen or accessed without authorization.

Why It Matters

• It provides a critical layer of defense against data breaches resulting from physical theft or unauthorized server access.

• Many regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR and PCI DSS, require encryption at rest to protect sensitive personal and financial information.

• It ensures that even if a database is compromised, the stolen files are useless to the attacker without the decryption keys.