What is the main objective of using encryption?

The main objective of using encryption is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Encryption is a security measure that transforms readable data into a coded format that can only be read by individuals or systems that have the appropriate decryption key. This process ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed without permission, it remains unreadable and thus secure.

For instance, sensitive information such as personal identification numbers, financial data, or confidential business communications is often encrypted to prevent exposure to unauthorized users. The strength of encryption lies in its ability to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality against potential threats, such as data breaches or cyberattacks.

In contrast to the other options, making data accessible to everyone undermines the purpose of encryption, which is fundamentally about restricting access. The use of encryption does not eliminate the need for passwords, as passwords serve as a first line of defense before encryption is applied. Additionally, while encryption can protect data, it may introduce a computational overhead that could slightly affect processing speed rather than speed it up, especially when encrypting and decrypting large volumes of data.