What is the primary purpose of cryptography in data security?

The primary purpose of cryptography in data security is to convert data into an unreadable format for unauthorized users. This process involves using algorithms and keys to transform plaintext information into ciphertext, ensuring that only individuals with the correct decryption key can access and understand the original data. This fundamental aspect of cryptography helps protect the confidentiality and integrity of data, making it an essential tool in safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and potential breaches.

The focus of cryptography is specifically on protecting data by making it unintelligible to anyone who does not have the appropriate permissions, which is crucial in various applications such as secure communications, data encryption, and digital signatures. Other answers do address important aspects of information security but do not capture the core function of cryptography. For instance, monitoring user access pertains to auditing and oversight; maintaining backups relates to data availability, and providing user permissions is about access control—all of which, while important, do not directly involve the encryption or protection of data itself.