What advantage does encryption provide for data at rest?

Encryption for data at rest primarily serves to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that cannot be understood without the corresponding decryption key. This means that even if an attacker gains physical access to the storage device or system where the data resides, they would be unable to read or utilize the information without the key.

The protection of data at rest is critical in various contexts, such as in databases, file storage systems, or cloud environments, where sensitive data can be subject to theft or unauthorized access. By implementing encryption, organizations can ensure that their data remains confidential and secure, thus safeguarding against potential security threats and compliance issues concerning data privacy regulations.

Other options do not accurately reflect the role of encryption. While encryption does not inherently enhance data processing speed, increase accessibility for all users, or reduce storage space requirements, its primary advantage lies in providing a robust layer of security for sensitive information.