What is the purpose of encryption?

The purpose of encryption is to make data unreadable without a key. This process transforms readable data, known as plaintext, into an unreadable format called ciphertext. The encryption algorithm utilizes a key as part of this transformation, and only those who have the appropriate decryption key can convert the ciphertext back into its original plaintext form. This serves to protect sensitive information, ensuring that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized users, they cannot understand or use it without the key.

In contrast, increasing data access speed does not directly relate to encryption, as the process can sometimes introduce latency due to the computational overhead of encrypting and decrypting data. Simplifying data formats involves organizing data in a more straightforward manner, which is unrelated to securing information. Additionally, while encryption can help secure data, it does not inherently store data more efficiently; it focuses primarily on protecting the confidentiality of the data rather than on how it is stored.