In the context of networking, what does encryption help to protect?

Encryption plays a crucial role in enhancing the security of data within networks. By converting plain text into a coded format that is unreadable to unauthorized users, encryption protects sensitive information from interception or theft while it is stored or transmitted across the network. This process ensures that only individuals who possess a decryption key or password can access the original data, thereby safeguarding it against unauthorized access.

In a networking context, where data is frequently transmitted over various channels, utilizing encryption helps to maintain confidentiality and integrity. This is especially important in environments that handle sensitive data, such as financial transactions or personal information. On the other hand, network speed, server performance, and client requests are influenced by different factors and do not directly relate to the protective capabilities of encryption.