What is the primary purpose of encryption in computing?

The primary purpose of encryption in computing is indeed to secure data by transforming it into a code. This process involves encoding the original data into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not have the appropriate decryption key or password. This secures the information against unauthorized access and protects it from malicious actors who might attempt to intercept or steal sensitive data.

Encryption is fundamental in maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity, which are crucial for protecting personal, financial, and sensitive business information. For instance, the use of encryption is prevalent in secure communications, such as online banking or data transfers over the internet. When data is encrypted, even if it is intercepted, it remains incomprehensible without the decryption key, rendering it useless to the interceptor.

While speeding up data access, increasing storage capacity, and enabling data sharing are important aspects of computing, they do not align with the fundamental role that encryption plays in data protection and security. Ensuring that data is kept safe from unauthorized access is the primary focus of encryption, emphasizing its critical role in today's digital landscape.