What does 'encrypting data transmitted over a network' mean?

Encoding data to prevent unauthorized access signifies that the information is transformed into a coded format that obscures its meaning. This process utilizes algorithms to convert the original data into ciphertext, which is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.

The primary purpose of encrypting data transmitted over a network is to protect sensitive information from interception or eavesdropping by unauthorized parties during its journey from one point to another. By effectively encrypting the data, organizations can ensure that even if the information is captured during transmission, it remains secure and confidential, as it cannot be interpreted without proper authorization.

This practice is critical in maintaining privacy and integrity in online communications, especially for sensitive transactions such as financial exchanges, personal information sharing, and confidential correspondence. The other options do not accurately capture this objective. Making data accessible to everyone contradicts the concept of security. Speeding up the data transfer process and reducing the size of data packets are unrelated to the primary goal of encryption, which centers around safeguarding data.