What is the purpose of encryption?

The purpose of encryption is to protect data by converting it into a format that is unreadable without a specific key. This process helps ensure that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the data, they cannot interpret or use it without the corresponding decryption key. Encryption acts as a critical security measure to safeguard sensitive information, making it a fundamental component of data protection strategies.

Other options refer to related concepts but do not encapsulate the primary function of encryption. Preventing unauthorized access to files can be a result of using encryption, but it doesn't define what encryption itself does. Identifying network vulnerabilities pertains to assessing potential weaknesses in a network's security rather than protecting data directly. Enhancing software application performance concerns optimization and efficiency, which is unrelated to the core purpose of encryption.