Define 'encryption.'

Encryption is best defined as the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. This is achieved through various algorithms that manipulate the data in such a way that it becomes unreadable to anyone who does not possess the appropriate key or access credentials. The primary purpose of encryption is to protect sensitive information from being accessed, intercepted, or altered by unauthorized parties.

For instance, encryption is widely used in securing communications over the internet, protecting personal data, and ensuring the confidentiality of information stored on devices or transmitted across networks. This makes it an essential tool in cybersecurity frameworks, where safeguarding data integrity and privacy is crucial.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of encryption. Compressing data for storage involves reducing the size of data without necessarily securing it against unauthorized access. Enhancing network speed refers to methods and technologies that improve the performance of data transmission. Data recovery after loss pertains to techniques used to retrieve data that has been lost due to failure or corruption, which is unrelated to the concept of keeping data confidential through encryption.