Data at rest

Data at rest refers to digital data that is stored and not actively moving across networks — whether on a personal device, enterprise server or in the cloud. As the volume of stored data grows, so does the need for robust security measures. 

Discover what data at rest is, why it matters, and how Micron’s advanced memory and storage technologies help keep it secure.

What is data at rest?

Data at rest definition: Data at rest refers to digital information that is stored on a device and is not actively moving across networks or being processed by applications. Data at rest includes files saved on local hard drives, SSDs, or in a cloud storage environment. Because it remains static, data at rest is generally easier to secure — though it still requires protection against unauthorized access, breaches, and physical theft.

etter understand what makes data at rest unique, it helps to briefly contrast it with the other two states of data:

• Data in motion (or data in transit) refers to information actively transmitted across networks or between systems. It is most vulnerable during transmission and typically protected with encryption protocols like TLS.
• Data in use describes information currently being processed by applications, systems or users. It resides in memory or temporary buffers and must remain accessible, making it more difficult to secure.

Each state of data presents distinct security challenges. While data in motion and data in use require real-time protection, data at rest demands a different approach — one that emphasizes strong encryption, access controls, and physical safeguards to ensure long-term protection. 

Storing data at rest securely is essential for both individuals and organizations. Permanent files — such as documents and databases — are often kept on internal drives or in the cloud, where layered security measures guard against internal threats, breaches, and physical theft.  

Micron’s advanced storage technologies, including encrypted SSDs, are purpose-built to protect data at rest across personal, enterprise, and cloud environments. Think of SSDs as the shelves in a library where books (data) are stored securely and remain untouched until needed. While memory modules are not used to store data at rest, Micron’s secure memory solutions act like reading tables in a library — they don’t store the books, but they ensure the reading (processing) happens securely. 

How does data at rest work?

Securing data at rest begins with encryption — the process of converting readable information into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms. This ensures that even if stored data is accessed without authorization, it remains unintelligible and protected. While all data at rest requires protection, encryption transforms it into encrypted data at rest — a more secure state that helps prevent unauthorized access.

One widely adopted encryption standard for data at rest is AES-XTS-256, which uses a cryptographic key to scramble data. Only authorized users with the correct key can decrypt and access the original information. This is a vital safeguard for sensitive data stored on devices, servers or in the cloud.  

Encrypted data at rest can reside in various locations, including:

• Local devices (e.g., laptops, smartphones)
• Enterprise servers
• Cloud platforms

In cloud environments, additional security protocols — such as access controls, continuous monitoring, and anomaly detection — help protect stored data from internal and external threats.

It is important to note that protecting data at rest involves more than just encryption. A multi-layered security strategy ensures that stored data remains safe, resilient and available. Key components of this strategy include:

• Backup and redundancy, ensuring that critical data is stored securely across multiple locations to prevent loss or downtime.
• Access management, which restricts who can view, modify, or delete stored data based on roles and permissions.
• Monitoring tools, which detect unusual activity and enable rapid response to potential breaches.

Together, these layers help maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of encrypted data at rest — whether it’s stored on an SSD, backed up in the cloud or archived on enterprise infrastructure.

Micron’s storage solutions, including encrypted SSDs, leverage hardware-based protection for data at rest. These SSDs are like locked cabinets in a library, keeping stored books safe from unauthorized access. Micron’s secure memory modules, although not used for storing data at rest, are like secure reading areas — protecting data in use during active processing. This approach delivers faster performance and lower power consumption compared to software-only encryption, making it ideal for enterprise and cloud-scale environments.

What is the history of data at rest?

The concept of data at rest has evolved alongside advances in computing, storage technologies and cybersecurity. Understanding its history helps highlight the growing importance of secure, and reliable data storage. 

• 1980s, rise of personal computing: The widespread adoption of personal computers introduced local data storage through floppy disks and hard drives. This marked the beginning of data being stored in static formats, laying the foundation for the concept of data at rest.
• 2000s, encryption becomes standard: As businesses began handling larger volumes of sensitive information, full-disk encryption (FDE) emerged as a key security measure. Organizations adopted encryption protocols to protect stored data from unauthorized access and breaches.
• 2010s, cloud storage and remote access: The growth of cloud computing transformed how data at rest is stored and accessed. Cloud platforms introduced scalable storage solutions with built-in encryption, monitoring, and compliance features, making secure data at rest accessible from anywhere.

What are the key types of data at rest?

Structured data

Structured data is organized in a predefined format, typically stored in relational databases like ​​PostgreSQL or spreadsheets. Examples include customer records, financial data, and inventory lists. This type of data benefits from encryption at the database level and is often backed up using secure protocols.

Micron’s data center SSDs provide high-speed, encrypted data at rest storage ideal for structured data environments, ensuring performance and protection.

Semi-structured data

This is data that is only partially structured and does not fit neatly into traditional databases but still contains organizational elements. Examples include JSON files, XML documents and ​NoSQL databases like ​​MongoDB. These formats require flexible storage solutions that support dynamic access and encryption. 

Unstructured data

Unstructured data lacks a defined format and includes content such as emails, images, videos, and text documents. This type of data is often stored in ​​​​​​data lakes or data warehouses, where it can be archived or analyzed.

Micron’s high-capacity SSDs and memory modules are built to handle large volumes of unstructured data, providing fast access and secure storage for AI workloads, media archives, and more.

How is data at rest used?

Data at rest is used across a wide range of environments, from personal devices to enterprise systems and cloud infrastructure. Its role is foundational in ensuring that digital information remains secure, accessible, and compliant with data protection standards.

Personal use: On individual devices like laptops, smartphones, or external hard drives, data at rest includes documents, photos, and application files. While these may require basic encryption, users still benefit from secure storage solutions that protect against theft or unauthorized access. 

Enterprise applications: On a wider, more commercial scale, encrypted data at rest is used to store information securely. This can include customer data, financial records, intellectual property, and operational data. Businesses must comply with strict data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)—to ensure that personal and sensitive data is safeguarded. Encryption, access control, and monitoring are essential. Micron’s enterprise-grade SSDs support these needs with high-performance, secure storage. Micron’s memory modules enhance security during data processing, helping protect data in use in enterprise environments.

Cloud and hybrid environments: In cloud platforms, data at rest is stored across distributed systems and accessed remotely. Cloud providers implement advanced security protocols, including encryption at rest, anomaly detection, and multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive data. Micron’s storage technologies are optimized for cloud-scale workloads, offering reliability and speed without compromising security.

Whether for personal use or enterprise-scale operations, encrypted data at rest plays a critical role in digital infrastructure. Micron’s innovations in memory and storage help ensure that this data remains protected, performant, and ready for future demands.