What is meant by “encrypted backup”?

The concept of "encrypted backup" refers to the practice of storing copies of data in an encrypted format. This encryption serves as a critical security measure, ensuring that even if unauthorized individuals were to gain access to the backup storage, they would not be able to read or use the data without the appropriate decryption keys. This method is essential for protecting sensitive information against breaches and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

While the other options touch on related concepts, they do not encapsulate the complete definition and purpose of an encrypted backup. For instance, transferring data securely to cloud storage, while important, does not specifically address the aspect of creating a secure copy of data that is protected through encryption. Similarly, backing up data without encryption would inherently contradict the fundamental principle of maintaining security in backups. Lastly, the mention of encrypting backup hardware and storing it off-site, while relevant to physical security measures, does not directly align with the core definition of an encrypted backup, which centers on the data itself being stored in an encrypted format.