What is the primary goal of data encryption?

The primary goal of data encryption is to protect data from unauthorized access. Encryption transforms sensitive information into a format that is unreadable without the proper decryption key. This process ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it remains confidential and secure. By using encryption, organizations can safeguard personal, financial, and sensitive business information from threats such as data breaches and cyberattacks.

The emphasis on protecting data from unauthorized access highlights the importance of confidentiality in data security. Organizations often deal with sensitive information that, if exposed, could lead to serious consequences such as identity theft, financial loss, or reputational damage. Therefore, employing encryption helps to mitigate these risks by ensuring that only authorized users, with the appropriate keys, can access the data.

While accessibility, speed of transmission, and data integrity are relevant considerations in data management, they do not capture the primary intent of encryption. Rather, encryption's design revolves around maintaining data confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access, which is critical for preserving trust and compliance in various regulatory frameworks.