What is the purpose of encryption?

The purpose of encryption is primarily to protect sensitive information. It transforms data into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key, ensuring that even if unauthorized individuals access the data, they cannot interpret it. This process is essential in safeguarding personal information, financial data, and any other sensitive communications from potential breaches and cyber threats. The utilization of encryption is a foundational practice in information security strategies, contributing to data confidentiality and integrity, particularly in contexts such as online transactions, communications, and data storage.

In contrast, storing data in an easily readable format does not align with the objectives of encryption, which specifically aims to obfuscate information. Enhancing internet browsing speed and providing free access to software are unrelated to the primary function of encryption. Hence, the key role of encryption lies in securing sensitive data, making it a critical component of cybersecurity practices.