What is the primary function of encryption?

The primary function of encryption is to protect data confidentiality by converting it into a secure format that is unreadable to unauthorized users. Encryption transforms sensitive information into ciphertext using algorithms and keys, ensuring that only those who possess the correct decryption key can access the original data. This process is vital in safeguarding personal, financial, and confidential business information from potential breaches or unauthorized access.

While options regarding data integrity and user authentication are important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not solely define the role of encryption. Data integrity ensures that information remains accurate and unaltered during transmission, which can be supported by measures like hashing. User identity authentication is crucial for controlling access but does not pertain specifically to encryption. Finally, data availability concerns ensuring that data is accessible and recoverable in the event of a disaster, which is not a direct function of encryption. Thus, the focus of encryption is primarily on maintaining the confidentiality of data.