Which of the following best describes the purpose of encryption?

The purpose of encryption is to transform data into an unreadable format for security. This process ensures that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access. By using encryption techniques, data is encoded in such a way that only those who possess the appropriate decryption key can read or make sense of it. This is especially crucial in contexts involving personal health information, financial records, or any confidential data, as it helps maintain confidentiality and integrity.

In contrast, allowing anyone access to private data directly contradicts the core principles of data protection and privacy. Summarizing data for easier analysis focuses on data organization rather than protection, and storing data on cloud servers speaks to the infrastructure of data management without addressing how that data is protected from unauthorized access. Thus, the selection of transforming data into an unreadable format accurately captures the essence of encryption as a security measure.