How does encryption protect data at rest?

Encryption protects data at rest by transforming it into an unreadable format. This process uses algorithms to encode the original data, making it inaccessible to unauthorized users. Even if someone gains physical access to the storage device or the files themselves, they would not be able to make sense of the information without the appropriate decryption key. This ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and secure, even if the storage medium is compromised.

In contrast, converting data into a backup format does not inherently protect it from being read or accessed; it simply stores a copy of the data, which can still be vulnerable. Making data readable only to administrators suggests that access controls are in place, but it does not prevent unauthorized users from accessing or reading the data if they gain administrative privileges or access to the system. Physically securing storage devices might prevent unauthorized access to the devices themselves, but without encryption, the data remains readable if someone can access the device directly. Therefore, the transformation of data into an unreadable format is the fundamental mechanism by which encryption safeguards the integrity and confidentiality of data at rest.