What is the purpose of encryption?

Encryption serves the purpose of converting data into a coded format that can only be read by authorized users. This process ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access. By employing encryption methods, information is transformed into an unreadable format for anyone who does not possess the appropriate decryption key or credentials.

This method is fundamental in protecting data in various scenarios, such as when it's stored on devices, transmitted across networks, or shared over the Internet. In a world where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent, encryption acts as a vital security measure that helps safeguard personal and organizational information from being misused or accessed by malicious actors.

Other options, while related to data management and security, do not correctly define the primary purpose of encryption. Deleting harmful files, organizing data, or speeding up internet connections do not involve the protection and confidentiality of data, which is the essence of what encryption achieves.