What best describes the purpose of data encryption?

Data encryption is primarily intended to secure data from unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a coded format that can only be read or deciphered by those who possess the correct decryption key or password. This process ensures that sensitive information, such as classified documents or personal data, remains confidential and protected from cyber threats and data breaches.

The focus of encryption is on maintaining the integrity and privacy of the data rather than influencing how quickly it can be transmitted or accessed. For example, even if a hacker intercepts encrypted data, they would not be able to understand or utilize it without the necessary decryption capabilities.

While other options mention aspects that are relevant to data handling, such as simplifying file sharing or enhancing internet speed, these are not the main objectives of data encryption. In fact, data encryption might complicate file sharing to some extent, as it requires additional steps for encryption and decryption. Similarly, it does not inherently reduce file sizes; rather, encryption may sometimes make files larger due to the added security measures. Thus, the fundamental purpose of data encryption is rooted in safeguarding information from unauthorized entities.