Which of the following is a safeguard for data at rest?

The correct choice highlights the importance of backup and recovery as a safeguard for data at rest. Data at rest refers to inactive data stored physically in any digital form (e.g., databases, file systems) and is not actively moving through a network. Implementing a robust backup and recovery strategy ensures that this data is regularly copied and can be restored in the event of loss due to hardware failure, corruption, or security incidents such as ransomware attacks. This process protects the integrity and availability of stored data, providing a critical layer of defense against data loss.

Other options, while important for various aspects of cybersecurity and data protection, do not specifically target the safeguarding of data at rest. Monitoring network traffic primarily helps protect data in transit by identifying unauthorized access or anomalies that could indicate a breach. Data transfer detection focuses on tracking the movement of data as it is sent over a network, rather than securing data that is stored. Lastly, employee training programs are essential for creating a security-aware culture, helping staff recognize and respond to potential threats, but they do not directly protect data at rest by themselves. Therefore, implementing backup and recovery is the most relevant safeguard for ensuring the protection of stored data.