Which of the following is a primary benefit of using encryption?

The primary benefit of using encryption lies in its ability to prevent unauthorized access to data. Encryption transforms data into a coded format that can only be deciphered by those who possess the appropriate decryption key. This means that even if an unauthorized party gains physical access to the encrypted data, they will not be able to interpret or understand it without the key.

This aspect of encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining privacy across various platforms, especially when data is transmitted over networks. It helps safeguard personal information, financial records, and organizational secrets from potential threats, including cyberattacks and data breaches.

While improving system performance, simplifying user authentication, and enhancing physical security are important aspects of cybersecurity, these are not the primary objectives of encryption. Encryption focuses specifically on safeguarding data from unauthorized access by converting it into a secure format that is not easily understood without the proper authorization.