What is encryption?

Encryption is fundamentally the process of converting information into a code, which ensures that only authorized individuals can access and understand the information. By altering the data into a format that is not easily interpretable without the corresponding decryption key or method, encryption protects sensitive information from unauthorized access and helps maintain privacy and security. This is crucial in various areas such as online banking, personal data protection, and secure communications, where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount.

The other options do not pertain directly to the core concept of encryption. Compressing data is focused on reducing file size without regard for security, while increasing internet speeds relates to network performance and data transmission rather than data protection. Monitoring network traffic involves analyzing data flows within networks, typically for security or performance purposes, rather than securing the data itself via encryption techniques.