What does data at rest refer to?

• A. Data protected as it sits on a device, as opposed to during transmission
• B. Data encrypted during transmission
• C. Data processed in memory during computation
• D. Data stored temporarily in cache

Answer: (A)

Data at rest means information that is stored and not actively moving or being processed. It covers data saved on disks, databases, backups, or other storage media waiting to be accessed. The best option captures that stored, non-transiting state: data protected as it sits on a device.

Data encrypted during transmission describes data in transit as it travels between systems. Data processed in memory refers to data in use during computation. Data stored temporarily in cache is a form of storage too, but it’s a temporary, fast-access area and doesn’t fully define the broader idea of all stored data on persistent media.