What is the purpose of encryption at rest?

The purpose of encryption at rest is primarily to protect stored data from unauthorized access or theft. When data is stored on a device or in a cloud environment, it remains vulnerable to various threats, such as unauthorized access by malicious actors or data breaches. Encryption at rest secures this data by transforming it into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms. Only those with the proper keys or permissions can decrypt and access the information, significantly reducing the risk of data exposure and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

This protective measure is especially important in environments handling sensitive personal, financial, or health-related information, where data breaches can lead to severe consequences, both legally and financially. By implementing encryption at rest, organizations safeguard their data even if the physical storage devices or cloud repositories are compromised.