Data in motion is exactly what it sounds like information on the move. It’s those emails flying across the internet, files uploading to cloud drives, video calls streaming, databases syncing, apps talking to each other. Anytime information moves from point A to point B, it’s in motion.
Movement creates danger zones. Cybercriminals lurk on network pathways, intercepting traffic or positioning themselves between communicating systems. This vulnerability window demands different protection than securing stored or processed data.
Transport encryption builds secure tunnels around moving data. TLS/SSL, IPsec, HTTPS; these protocols wrap information in protective shells. Even if bad actors grab network traffic, they get encrypted nonsense instead of readable data.
Network monitoring spots suspicious movement patterns. Deep packet inspection examines traffic contents. Network segmentation creates barriers, limiting exposure during transmission. Access controls restrict who can send what and where.
Common scenarios include cloud backups, remote worker connections, office-to-office transfers, mobile sync operations, and third-party integrations. Each situation needs appropriate encryption strength based on data sensitivity and compliance rules.
With the remote work boom and cloud migration, multiple transmission paths and end-to-end visibility become challenges. Security teams juggle these moving pieces while keeping business operations running smoothly.
Smart organizations map their data flows, encrypt transmissions, and monitor network activity constantly. The goal: catch threats before they intercept valuable info during its journey.
See our expert overview on best practices for securing data in motion, including real-world examples and recommended tools:
