How does encryption contribute to data security?

Encryption plays a crucial role in data security by transforming sensitive information into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not possess the appropriate decryption key. This process ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it remains protected and secure, as they cannot comprehend the encrypted information without the key. This mechanism is vital for maintaining confidentiality and integrity, especially for personal, financial, and confidential business data.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of encryption. For instance, removing viruses pertains to a different aspect of cybersecurity, focusing on threat mitigation rather than data protection. Similarly, converting data into a format readable by anyone contradicts the fundamental concept of encryption, which is meant to restrict access to authorized users only. Lastly, while storing data on secure servers enhances physical security, encryption specifically addresses the protection of data itself, regardless of where it is stored.