What is the primary function of encryption in cybersecurity?

The primary function of encryption in cybersecurity is to secure data by converting it into a coded format, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. This process protects sensitive information from interception and unauthorized access, ensuring that even if data is compromised, it cannot be understood without the correct decryption key. Encryption plays a crucial role in safeguarding confidentiality, particularly for personal information, financial transactions, and communications.

While encryption does not inherently affect the speed of data transmission, organize data, or directly simplify password management, its importance lies in ensuring that data remains secure and private throughout storage and transmission processes. By transforming data into a format that requires a key or password for access, encryption helps protect against data breaches and reinforces overall cybersecurity strategies.