Encryption at Rest
Encryption at rest protects stored data (disks, databases, objects) using encryption keys.
Updated: 2026-03-05
Definition
Encryption at rest protects data stored on disks, databases, or object storage by encrypting it when saved.
It helps reduce risk if storage media is accessed without authorization.
Key points
- Protects stored data (not in transit)
- Key management is critical
- Often enabled by default in cloud services
Common mistakes
- Assuming it replaces access control (you still need IAM/RBAC).
- Poor key rotation and access logging.
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