Is encrypting data at rest using AES-256 considered a best practice?

Encrypting data at rest using AES-256 is considered a best practice for several compelling reasons. Firstly, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that has been widely adopted and recognized for its robustness and security. AES-256, in particular, uses a 256-bit key length, which offers a very high level of security against brute-force attacks, making it difficult for unauthorized users to decrypt data without access to the correct keys.

Using strong encryption methods like AES-256 helps organizations comply with various regulatory requirements related to data protection, privacy, and security. This is particularly important in industries that handle sensitive information, such as finance, healthcare, and personal identifiable information (PII). By encrypting data at rest, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure that even if data is stolen or accessed without authorization, it remains protected and unreadable without the decryption key.

Additionally, encryption at rest safeguards data stored on physical drives, databases, and other storage solutions, providing an essential layer of defense in the security strategy. It helps in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data, ensuring that only authorized users and applications can access it.

In this context, while there might be scenarios where other considerations are made (such as specific