Why is encryption crucial for data security?

Encryption is crucial for data security because it effectively prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information. By converting plain text into a coded format that can only be deciphered by someone with the correct key or password, encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission or accessed without permission, it remains unreadable and secure. This protection is vital for safeguarding personal and confidential information from malicious actors, thereby maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

When considering the other options, they don't address the primary purpose of encryption. Strengthening network signals relates to improving connectivity and signal performance, which is unrelated to data protection. Enhancing data transmission speed focuses on the efficiency of communication over networks rather than securing the data itself. Minimizing network congestion pertains to optimizing bandwidth usage, which is also distinct from the key function of encryption in protecting data from unauthorized access.