What is a consequence of using encryption for data security?

Using encryption for data security is designed to protect sensitive information and restrict access to it. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not have the appropriate decryption key or credentials. This ensures that only authorized users can access and understand the data, effectively safeguarding confidential information from unauthorized access or breaches.

The process of encryption acts as a barrier, making it very challenging for malicious actors to exploit or steal the data without the correct decryption method. This is a crucial measure in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data, especially in environments where sensitive personal or organizational data is handled.

The other choices highlight misconceptions about encryption. For example, encryption does not make data easier to access; rather, it complicates access for anyone without authorization. Additionally, encrypting data does not mean that backups are unnecessary; data still needs to be backed up regularly. While encryption may introduce some overhead that could potentially slow down performance, it does not inherently slow down all network traffic as a rule. Thus, the emphasis on restricting access to confidential information to authorized users aligns perfectly with the primary purpose of encryption in cybersecurity.