Which term best describes the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access?

Which term best describes the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access?

• A. Hashing
• B. Encryption
• C. Obfuscation
• D. Encoding

Answer: (B)

The term that best describes the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access is encryption. This process involves transforming readable data, known as plaintext, into an unreadable format called ciphertext using algorithms and keys. The primary goal of encryption is to secure the information from being accessed or understood by unauthorized individuals, ensuring confidentiality. Encryption is crucial in various applications, such as securing communications over the internet, safeguarding sensitive data stored on devices, and protecting information transmitted across networks. Only those who possess the correct decryption key can revert the ciphertext back to its original, readable form. This makes encryption a fundamental component of data security practices. In contrast, while hashing also involves converting data into a fixed-size string of characters, it is primarily a one-way process used for integrity verification rather than securing data confidentiality. Obfuscation refers to making data or code unclear or difficult to understand but does not encrypt the data in the same secure manner as encryption does. Encoding translates data into a different format using preset rules but does not provide security against unauthorized access like encryption does.

The term that best describes the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access is encryption. This process involves transforming readable data, known as plaintext, into an unreadable format called ciphertext using algorithms and keys. The primary goal of encryption is to secure the information from being accessed or understood by unauthorized individuals, ensuring confidentiality.

Encryption is crucial in various applications, such as securing communications over the internet, safeguarding sensitive data stored on devices, and protecting information transmitted across networks. Only those who possess the correct decryption key can revert the ciphertext back to its original, readable form. This makes encryption a fundamental component of data security practices.

In contrast, while hashing also involves converting data into a fixed-size string of characters, it is primarily a one-way process used for integrity verification rather than securing data confidentiality. Obfuscation refers to making data or code unclear or difficult to understand but does not encrypt the data in the same secure manner as encryption does. Encoding translates data into a different format using preset rules but does not provide security against unauthorized access like encryption does.