What is meant by "encryption" in the context of data security?

In the context of data security, encryption refers to the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. This transformation ensures that, even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption key or algorithm. Encryption serves as a vital protective measure, safeguarding sensitive information such as personal data, financial records, and proprietary business information from potential threats, including cyberattacks.

The efficacy of encryption lies in its ability to maintain data confidentiality. Only individuals or systems possessing the appropriate decryption mechanisms can access the original data, thereby helping organizations comply with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, which mandate strict data protection measures.

The other choices do not accurately capture the concept of encryption. Methods of data compression relate to reducing file sizes rather than securing data, improving data structure focuses on organizing data for better performance and management, and enhancing data visualization is concerned with presenting data in a more understandable format, which does not involve securing the data itself.