What is a primary benefit of encrypting sensitive data?

Encrypting sensitive data primarily serves to prevent unauthorized access. By transforming data into a format that is unreadable without the proper decryption key, encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, they cannot comprehend it or use it. This is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers, financial records, or private communications.

While there are other considerations when it comes to data management—such as processing speed, ease of sharing, and server load—none fundamentally address the core purpose of encryption. The primary function of encryption is to secure data against breaches and protect it from potential threats, ensuring that only those with the right permissions can access and understand the information.