The process of converting data into a coded format that prevents unauthorized access. Only individuals with the correct decryption key can read encrypted data, making it crucial for securing sensitive information such as communications and financial transactions.

Encryption secures data by transforming it into a format that can’t be easily read by unauthorized users. It’s an essential tool for keeping information safe, especially when dealing with sensitive data. Knowing how encryption works helps users protect their own data, particularly in collaborative or online environments where privacy is a concern.