Final answer:
Encryption is the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using a cipher to protect the data's confidentiality. Only individuals with the correct decryption key can access the original information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Encryption is the process of taking data and applying a cipher to create ciphertext. When data is encrypted, it is transformed from its original form (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and an encryption key. This process ensures that the information remains confidential, as only those with the correct decryption key can revert the ciphertext back into its readable form.
There are two primary types of encryption: symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, and asymmetric encryption, which involves a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The choice between these methods depends on the use case and the required security level.