What is a key benefit of using encryption for data at rest?

The key benefit of using encryption for data at rest is enhanced data security from unauthorized access. When data is stored in a system, whether it's on a local device or in the cloud, encryption ensures that even if the data were to be compromised or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it would remain unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. This protection is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, or proprietary business information.

While faster data access speeds, reduced storage costs, and improved data processing speeds might be advantages related to other technologies or practices in data management, they are not inherent benefits of implementing encryption. Encryption typically introduces some overhead, which may slightly slow down data access or processing speeds compared to unencrypted data, and it does not inherently reduce storage costs. Thus, the primary focus of encryption is to bolster security, making it an essential strategy for protecting data at rest.