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What is the primary purpose of encryption in data transmission?

  1. To increase bandwidth

  2. To authenticate users

  3. To secure data from unauthorized access

  4. To improve signal strength

The correct answer is: To secure data from unauthorized access

The primary purpose of encryption in data transmission is to secure data from unauthorized access. When data is transmitted over networks, it is vulnerable to interception by malicious entities. Encryption transforms the original data into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized parties with the correct decryption keys can access and understand the information being sent. This process protects sensitive information such as personal data, financial transactions, and confidential communications from being exploited by attackers. While increasing bandwidth, authenticating users, and improving signal strength may be important aspects of data transmission, they do not directly relate to the fundamental role of encryption, which is to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the data exchanged over potentially insecure networks.