Which encryption method is used to protect data at rest on Microsoft Windows computers, typically using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)?

BitLocker is the correct choice for protecting data at rest on Microsoft Windows computers through encryption, commonly utilizing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). It is a full-disk encryption feature that encrypts the entire drive, securing the data against unauthorized access in scenarios such as theft or loss of the device. By encrypting the disk, BitLocker ensures that even if someone gains physical access to the hard drive, they cannot read the contents without the appropriate credentials or recovery key.

BitLocker operates seamlessly with Windows operating systems, providing both user-friendly management and robust security that encrypts the entire data set on the volume. Its use of AES allows for various key sizes, such as 128-bit and 256-bit, offering flexibility in balancing security requirements and performance.

Other encryption methods mentioned are indeed valuable in their respective contexts. For instance, TLS primarily secures data in transit over networks. IPSec secures network data packets at the IP layer but does not deal with data at rest on a machine. Software Guard Extensions (SGX) is a hardware-based approach to secure specific types of data and applications but does not provide the full-disk encryption that BitLocker offers. This specific focus on full-disk encryption makes BitLocker the appropriate solution for the question posed