Final answer:
The conversion of data into a masked format is known as encryption. It's done to secure the data, which is later decrypted for authorized use. The other options mentioned (Data mining, HTTP, DBMS) are not related to data security in this context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Converting data into a format that masks the intended meaning is known as encryption. This process aims to secure data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users. The correct answer to the question is B. Encryption.
Encryption is widely used in securing sensitive information such as personal data, financial transactions, communication messages, and more. It involves transforming the original data, known as plaintext, into an encoded version, called ciphertext, using an algorithm and an encryption key. When the data needs to be read, the process is reversed through decryption, using a decryption key, which might be the same as the encryption key (symmetric encryption) or a different key (asymmetric encryption).
Data mining, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and DBMS (Database Management System) are unrelated to the process of concealing the meaning of the data. Data mining involves analyzing large datasets to discover patterns and relationships, HTTP is a protocol used for transmitting web pages, and a DBMS is software for creating, managing, and interacting with databases.