What is the primary purpose of cryptographic encryption?

The primary purpose of cryptographic encryption is to convert plaintext to ciphertext. This process is fundamental to ensuring data confidentiality. By transforming readable information (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext), encryption protects sensitive data from unauthorized access. Only those with the appropriate decryption key can revert the ciphertext back to its original plaintext form, allowing for secure communication and storage of information.

This effective transformation ensures that even if the encrypted data is intercepted, it remains secure and unintelligible to those without proper authorization. While some other options may seem relevant to the broader concept of cryptography or data processing, they do not capture the essential function of encryption, which is fundamentally about safeguarding information through obfuscation.