What does the process of encryption achieve?

The process of encryption achieves the obscuring of information to protect its confidentiality. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that is not readily understandable without the appropriate decryption key or method. This is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access, ensuring that only individuals or systems with the correct permissions can read or interpret the data. Encryption is a fundamental practice in information security, particularly for protecting personal data, financial transactions, and confidential communications, as it helps maintain privacy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the purpose of encryption. Making information easily readable opposes the concept of encryption, as the primary goal is to protect data from being easily accessed. Unlimited data sharing is not facilitated by encryption; rather, encryption helps control access to data, often limiting who can share or use it. Lastly, while encryption may indirectly contribute to secure data transfer processes, its main purpose is not to simplify those processes, but rather to enhance the security of the data being transferred.