When you buy a safe, you expect it to have a lock. T
he same should apply when buying a NAS (a shared storage box for your office) or a server (a powerful computer that stores company data).
If it doesn’t support encryption for data at rest, your data is like a safe that anyone can open.
What is Data at Rest?
Data at rest is information stored on a device that isn’t being used or transmitted. This includes:
- Files stored on NAS devices, servers, and hard drives
- Backups saved on external disks or cloud storage
- Financial reports, customer data, and business records
Without encryption, data at rest is vulnerable. If someone steals your hard drive, hacks your system, or gains unauthorised access, they can read everything inside.
When considering your organisation’s broader security posture, it’s just as critical to protect data in use within shared workspaces and secure data in transit as it is to secure data at rest.
For end users, data at rest security isn’t just about digital encryption—it includes physical security too.
Imagine having important documents or a laptop with sensitive files:
- The best way to secure them is to lock them in a cabinet or safe.
- If that’s not possible, lock the office doors to prevent unauthorised access.
Why Adding Encryption Later is a Nightmare
If your NAS or server doesn’t support data at rest encryption from the start, securing stored data becomes a tremendous challenge.
Businesses confront three hard choices:
- Migrating to a New NAS or Server → Buying a new system with data at rest encryption and moving everything over. This is expensive and time-consuming.
- Encrypting files one by one using software. This is slow, inefficient, and may affect performance.
- Backing Up, Wiping, and Rebuilding the System → If migration isn’t an option, businesses must:
- Restore everything, ensuring compliance with security rules. This process is risky, complicated, and disrupts business operations
- Backup all data at rest.
- Wipe and rebuild the system with volume encryption enabled.
For finance and asset management industries, the importance of securing data across all states—rest, use, and transit—is even more critical.
Our practical guide to cybersecurity in finance and IT outlines why such measures are non-negotiable.
How to Pick a NAS or Server with Data at Rest Encryption
Before buying a NAS or server, make sure it has built-in volume encryption to lock your data at rest.
✅ NAS Systems with Built-in Data at Rest Encryption
- Synology NAS → Supports AES-256 volume encryption (on compatible models).
- QNAP NAS → Comes with full-volume encryption for secure storage.
- TrueNAS (ZFS-based NAS systems) → Provides ZFS native encryption for enterprise security.
✅ Servers with Built-in Data at Rest Encryption
- Windows Server with BitLocker → Encrypts entire storage volumes, protecting data at rest.
- Linux Servers with LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) → Standard full-disk encryption for data at rest security.
- Enterprise-Grade Servers (HPE, Dell, Lenovo, etc.) → Offer self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and encryption-ready RAID controllers.
Final Thought
Securing data at rest isn’t an extra feature—it’s a must-have.
If your NAS or server doesn’t support volume encryption, your business risks data breaches, compliance failures, and expensive fixes.
Taking proactive steps to secure your stored information complements efforts to protect your data in transit and helps build a more resilient IT foundation.
Choosing a system with built-in encryption from the start prevents costly retrofits, avoids system migrations, and keeps your data secure and compliant.
Even when facing unpredictable threats like scams and social engineering, staying vigilant and applying core data protection principles is critical.
At OIT Pte. Ltd., we specialise in matching technology solutions to business requirements—helping companies in finance, asset management, and beyond implement secure and compliant IT systems.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup meets security and compliance standards, or if you need guidance on integrating data at rest encryption, let’s have a conversation.
Talk to us today for support to build your IT investments for long-term security and success.
