What does "data encryption" do?

Data encryption is a vital security measure used to protect sensitive information by converting it into a code, making it unreadable to anyone who does not have the appropriate decryption key. This process ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission or accessed without authorization, it remains secure and confidential. The underlying principle of encryption is to safeguard data from exposure, thus preventing potential breaches and maintaining privacy.

In contrast, the other choices describe different processes unrelated to the primary function of encryption. Data compression, for example, reduces the size of files to conserve storage space, while organizing data is focused on structuring information for efficient retrieval and management. Transferring data to a new system pertains to moving information from one environment to another, which doesn’t inherently include security measures. Therefore, the definition of data encryption as a means to secure access is distinctly accurate.