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BackWhat is Data at rest?
Data at rest refers to digital information that organizations store on a device or storage system without actively transmitting or processing it. Examples include files stored on hard drives, databases, cloud storage, backup media, USB drives, and archived records.
Organizations store large volumes of sensitive information at rest, including customer records, financial data, intellectual property, healthcare records, and business documents. Because this data often remains in storage for extended periods, it becomes a valuable target for cybercriminals seeking to steal or manipulate sensitive information.
Organizations treat protecting data at rest as a fundamental part of cybersecurity, and many regulatory and industry standards require it.
Why it matters
A security breach does not always involve data moving across a network. If attackers gain access to a compromised laptop, database, storage server, or cloud storage account, they may be able to access stored information directly.
Protecting data at rest helps organizations:
- Prevent unauthorized access to stored information.
- Reduce the impact of device theft or data breaches.
- Protect confidential business and customer data.
- Support compliance with privacy and industry regulations.
- Strengthen business continuity and disaster recovery.
- Minimize financial and reputational damage.
Strong protection ensures stored data remains confidential even if the storage medium is compromised.
Examples
It exists across a wide range of enterprise environments.
| Data at rest | Example |
|---|---|
| Database records | Customer information stored in a database |
| Files and documents | PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations, and contracts |
| Cloud storage | Files stored in services such as OneDrive or Google Drive |
| Backup data | Archived system backups and recovery images |
| Endpoint storage | Data stored on laptops, desktops, or mobile devices |
| External storage | USB drives, external hard drives, and removable media |
Organizations should identify where sensitive data resides to apply appropriate security controls.
Data at rest vs data in transit vs data in use
Different data states require different security controls.
| Data state | Description |
|---|---|
| Data at rest | Stored on a device, database, or storage system |
| Data in transit | Moving between systems or across a network |
| Data in use | Being actively processed by an application or user |
Understanding these states helps organizations implement comprehensive data protection strategies.
How Hexnode helps
Hexnode UEM helps organizations protect data stored on managed endpoints by enforcing encryption on supported platforms, deploying operating system updates, applying device security policies, and monitoring device compliance from a centralized console.
Hexnode UEM also supports device restrictions, application management, remote security actions such as device lock and enterprise wipe, and inventory reporting. These capabilities help organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized access to stored data when attackers steal or compromise devices.
FAQs
Yes. Encryption protects stored information from unauthorized access, but the data remains at rest until users or applications access or transmit it.
Organizations should combine encryption, strong access controls, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, endpoint security, and continuous monitoring to protect stored data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
