Final answer:
Encryption is the process of converting plain text into ciphertext using an algorithm to protect data confidentiality and integrity. It ensures information remains secure against unauthorized access.
Step-by-step explanation:
Encryption is the process of converting information into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access. It involves algorithmically transforming plain text into ciphertext, which is an unreadable format unless decrypted with the correct key. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure during transmission or while stored.
The act of encryption takes original, understandable information—referred to as plain text—and uses an algorithm called a cipher to convert it into ciphertext. This makes the text obscure to anyone who does not have the decryption key. The purpose is to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data, an essential aspect of data security in today's digital world.