What must be done to storage media to prevent unauthorized access if it is not physically destroyed?

To prevent unauthorized access to storage media when it is not physically destroyed, encryption is the most effective measure. Encryption works by transforming data into a coded format that can only be read or accessed by someone who possesses the correct decryption key or password. This means that, even if an unauthorized individual gains physical access to the storage media, they would be unable to understand or use the data because it appears as random characters or symbols without the proper decryption process.

Although password protection is mentioned as a potential option, it typically only limits access to the data through a simple authentication method, and if the password is compromised, the data can be immediately accessed. Similarly, archiving and backing up are important for data management and recovery, but they do not inherently protect data from unauthorized access. Thus, encryption stands out as the primary method to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality in scenarios where physical destruction is not feasible.