What is the primary goal of cryptography?

The primary goal of cryptography is to secure communication and protect data integrity. Cryptography provides mechanisms to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, meaning that unauthorized parties cannot access or decipher the data being transmitted or stored. This is achieved through various encryption techniques, which transform readable data into a coded format that is only accessible to those who possess the appropriate decryption keys.

Additionally, cryptography plays a vital role in maintaining data integrity by ensuring that the information has not been altered during transmission. Hash functions, digital signatures, and other cryptographic techniques verify that the data received is exactly as it was sent, providing assurance against tampering.

While other options like reducing file sizes, improving internet speeds, or enhancing multimedia content are beneficial for different aspects of technology, they do not align with the fundamental objectives of cryptography, which are focused on security and integrity. The essence of cryptography lies in safeguarding information from unauthorized access and ensuring authenticity, establishing it as a cornerstone of secure communication in the digital world.