What is the primary aim of encryption?

The primary aim of encryption is to protect data by making it unreadable without a key. Encryption transforms sensitive information into a coded format that can only be accessed or deciphered by individuals who possess the appropriate decryption key. This ensures confidentiality, integrity, and security of data, particularly during storage and transmission.

In the context of cybersecurity, encryption plays a critical role in safeguarding personal and organizational data from unauthorized access or breaches, ensuring that even if the data is intercepted or accessed, it remains unintelligible to anyone without the corresponding key. This makes it a fundamental practice in protecting sensitive information in numerous applications, such as email communication, file storage, and online transactions.