What is the primary purpose of disk-level encryption?

The primary purpose of disk-level encryption is to protect data at rest. This security measure ensures that the data stored on a disk drive is encrypted, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. When the data is at rest, such as on a hard drive or solid-state drive, it is vulnerable to access by anyone who can bypass the operating system's protections. Disk-level encryption safeguards against unauthorized access, even if the physical device is stolen or compromised, by requiring a key or password to decrypt the data.

This is essential for maintaining the privacy and integrity of sensitive information, such as personal records, financial data, or proprietary company information. Encrypting data at rest enhances security by ensuring that only those with the correct authentication can access the information, thereby mitigating the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized data exposure.