Microsoft Windows BitLocker can use whole disk encryption to protect which type of data?

BitLocker is a disk encryption feature built into Microsoft Windows that aims to safeguard data by providing encryption for entire volumes. The term "data at rest" refers to inactive data stored physically in any digital form (such as files on a hard drive) that is not actively being used or transferred. BitLocker specifically protects this data by encrypting it, ensuring that it cannot be accessed without proper authentication, such as a password or recovery key.

When a device is powered off or the disk is otherwise inactive, the encrypted data remains protected against unauthorized access. This characteristic positions BitLocker as an effective tool against threats like data breaches or theft, particularly if a device is lost or stolen.

In contrast, data in use refers to data that is actively being processed by applications, while data in motion and data in transit both pertain to data being transferred across networks. These latter forms do not fall under the purview of BitLocker’s disk encryption capabilities, which are focused solely on securing stored data rather than data actively being utilized or transmitted.