What is the primary goal of encryption?

The primary goal of encryption is to secure information from unauthorized access. Encryption transforms data into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not possess the appropriate key or password to decrypt it. This process protects sensitive information, ensuring that even if it is intercepted or accessed by an unauthorized party, it cannot be understood or misused. By maintaining confidentiality and integrity, encryption plays a crucial role in areas such as online banking, secure communications, and data protection in general.

While the other options mention important aspects of data handling, they do not align with the core purpose of encryption. For instance, converting information into a readable format, compressing data for speed, or improving processing speed address different stages or concerns in data handling rather than the need to protect data privacy and security.