What is the purpose of encryption in data security?

The focus of encryption in data security is to transform data into a format that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized users. This process involves using algorithms and keys to encode information, ensuring that the data remains confidential and secure. When data is encrypted, only individuals with the correct decryption key can access and understand the original information, preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data from breaches or theft.

While there are various methods for managing data and software performance, the primary goal of encryption is to protect the integrity and confidentiality of information, making option C the correct answer.