What is encryption?

Encryption refers to the process of converting data into a coded format that obscures its original meaning. This transformation ensures that only authorized parties, who have the correct decryption key, can access and understand the information. Encryption is a fundamental security measure that protects sensitive data from unauthorized access and helps maintain confidentiality, especially in environments where data transmission occurs over insecure channels, such as the internet.

The other options describe different processes or tools that are related to data security but do not accurately define encryption. Deleting sensitive information pertains to data management practices, while backing up data securely relates to data preservation. Monitoring network traffic involves inspecting data packets to ensure network security, which is distinct from the act of altering data formats through encryption. Therefore, the correct understanding of encryption fundamentally revolves around its role in changing data into a format that is unintelligible without the appropriate decryption mechanism.