What is the key characteristic of non-volatile data?

Non-volatile data is defined by its ability to retain its state even when the device storing it is powered down. This characteristic makes it essential for various computing applications where data persistence is required, such as in hard drives, flash drives, and other forms of permanent storage. Non-volatile data ensures that information is not lost when the device is shut off, supporting reliable long-term storage solutions for users.

This differentiates it from volatile data, which only exists while power is supplied to the device and is lost once the device is turned off. Thus, non-volatile data is critical for ensuring data continuity and reliability across sessions of device use, making it a foundational concept in information systems and data management.