What is the primary reason for encrypting offline files?

Encrypting offline files primarily serves the purpose of protecting those files in the event that a device is lost or stolen. When files are stored offline, they are not actively protected by the security measures that come into play during network access, such as firewalls and encryption during transmission. If a device containing sensitive offline files is compromised, such as being lost or stolen, the data could be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

By encrypting these files, even if an unauthorized party gains access to the device, they would be unable to read the contents of the files without the appropriate decryption key. This confidentiality is critical for safeguarding sensitive information such as personal data, financial records, or proprietary business content. In this way, encryption serves as a robust protective measure for offline data, ensuring that potential breaches do not lead to unauthorized data access.