What is the purpose of encryption in cyber security?

The purpose of encryption in cybersecurity is primarily to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Encryption transforms data into a secure format that can only be read or decrypted by someone who possesses the right key or password. This process ensures that even if the data is intercepted during transmission or accessed from an unauthorized location, it remains unintelligible and secure.

This protection is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and integrity, especially when handling personal information, financial records, or any data that could impact privacy and security. Encryption acts as a robust barrier against data breaches and cyberattacks, thereby ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and is accessible only to authorized users.

In contrast to the other options: enhancing data transfer rates is not a function of encryption; creating backup copies pertains to data preservation rather than security; and analyzing website traffic relates to monitoring online behavior rather than securing data itself.