How does encryption enhance data security?

Encryption enhances data security primarily by converting data into a non-readable format for unauthorized users. This process, known as ciphertext, ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by someone who does not have the proper authorization or decryption key, they will be unable to understand or make use of the information contained within the encrypted data.

In practice, encryption serves as a robust barrier that protects sensitive information such as personal details, financial transactions, or confidential communications from theft or unauthorized access. For example, in the case of a data breach, if the data is encrypted, the stolen data will be rendered useless to the attacker, as they lack the means to decrypt and access the original content.

While the other choices relate to aspects of security, they do not directly address the core function of encryption. Simplifying user authentication processes focuses on access control, which is a separate aspect of security. Providing a secure internet connection is more about protocols like SSL/TLS, which ensure data integrity and confidentiality in transit, rather than the encryption of data itself. Monitoring user activities pertains to surveillance and user behavior tracking, which is not a function of encryption. Therefore, the effectiveness of encryption in securing data lies primarily in its ability to render information unreadable to unauthorized parties.