Final answer:
Encoding is the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It is commonly used in computers and technology to protect sensitive data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Encoding is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. In the context of computers and technology, encoding is commonly used to protect sensitive data, such as login credentials or personal information, from being accessed or understood by unauthorized individuals. This is achieved by converting the original data into a format that is only recognizable and understandable to those who have the appropriate key or algorithm.