Data Encryption At Rest
Data encryption at rest is a security practice that involves encrypting stored data when it is not actively being used or transmitted, such as on hard drives, databases, or cloud storage. It protects sensitive information from unauthorized access in case of physical theft, data breaches, or insider threats by rendering the data unreadable without the proper decryption keys. This is a fundamental component of data protection strategies in compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
Developers should implement data encryption at rest when handling sensitive data such as personal information, financial records, or intellectual property to mitigate risks of data exposure and meet legal requirements. It is essential in cloud environments, healthcare systems, and financial applications where data privacy is critical, ensuring that even if storage media is compromised, the data remains secure and inaccessible to attackers.