Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) Practice Exam

What type of data does encryption protect while being transmitted?

1. Data at rest

2. Data in use

3. Data in transit

4. All types of data

The correct answer is: Data in transit

Encryption specifically protects data in transit, which refers to data actively moving from one location to another, such as across the internet or through internal networks. This type of encryption is crucial because it ensures that confidential information, such as personal details or business transactions, cannot be intercepted and read by unauthorized parties while it is being transmitted. When data is in transit, it is particularly vulnerable to interception or eavesdropping. By applying encryption during transmission, the data is transformed into a secure format that can only be read by the intended recipient, who possesses the necessary decryption key. This is essential for maintaining privacy and integrity of communications. In contrast, data at rest pertains to information stored on devices or databases, and data in use refers to data being processed by applications or systems. While encryption can be applied to these types of data as well, the specific focus of this question is on the protection offered during transmission. Therefore, encryption serves as a vital defense mechanism to safeguard data in transit against unauthorized access and potential breaches.