What is the main purpose of using encryption in data security?

The main purpose of using encryption in data security is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Encryption transforms data into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not possess a specific key or password. This process ensures that even if the data is intercepted or accessed by an unauthorized party, they would not be able to understand or utilize it. By securing information in this manner, encryption significantly mitigates risks associated with data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime.

The focus of encryption is not on data compression, unauthorized readability, or enhancing processing speed. Compression may help in saving storage space, but it does not provide the security that encryption offers. Making data readable to unauthorized users directly contradicts the fundamental goal of encryption, which is to secure data from such access. Additionally, while processing speed is critical in data handling, it is not a primary aim of encryption, which is centered on maintaining confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.