Data Encryption at Rest and in Transit
What Is Data at Rest and Data in Transit?
Data at rest refers to information stored on a device or server, such as files on a hard drive or database records, while data in transit refers to data actively moving across a network, such as an email being sent or a file being uploaded.
Encrypting Data at Rest
Encrypting data at rest protects stored information from being read if a storage device is stolen, lost, or accessed without authorization, typically using full-disk encryption or database-level encryption.
Encrypting Data in Transit
Encrypting data in transit protects information as it travels between systems, commonly implemented using protocols like TLS, preventing attackers from intercepting and reading data while it is being transmitted.
| State | Risk if Unencrypted | Common Protection |
|---|---|---|
| At Rest | Theft of storage device, unauthorized file access | Full-disk or database encryption |
| In Transit | Interception, eavesdropping | TLS/SSL, VPN |
Why Both Are Necessary
Protecting data in only one state leaves a gap - encrypting data in transit but not at rest still leaves stored files vulnerable, and vice versa, so a complete strategy addresses both.
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