Network Defense Essentials (NDE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Network Defense Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is that data in use refers to data that is actively being processed by applications, systems, or users. This state involves operations such as calculations, modifications, or querying, where the data is not merely sitting idle but is instead part of ongoing computational processes.

Data at rest describes information that is stored and not currently being processed or utilized, such as databases or files on disk. This state indicates a lack of activity but is important for understanding data storage security.

Data in transit represents data that is actively moving across networks, often during transmission between devices or systems. This state focuses on data as it travels, emphasizing its security during transport, but does not involve processing by applications.

Data archived pertains to data that is no longer actively used but is preserved for long-term retention, often for compliance or historical reference. This data is not processed and is typically stored in a manner that allows retrieval when needed.

Therefore, understanding the distinction between these states is crucial for implementing appropriate security measures and policies within an IT infrastructure.