What term describes data that is stored in memory, a hard drive, or a storage device?

The term that describes data stored in memory, a hard drive, or any storage device is "Data at Rest." This concept refers to data that is not actively being used or processed but is instead stored in a static state. For example, files saved on a hard drive or records stored in a database are considered data at rest.

This classification is significant in the context of data security, as it often requires different protective measures compared to other data states, such as data in use (which refers to data that is actively being processed or accessed) or data in transit (which refers to data actively moving across a network). Understanding these categories helps organizations implement appropriate security controls and compliance measures to protect sensitive information effectively.