What is the primary purpose of cryptography in information security?

The primary purpose of cryptography in information security is fundamentally about protecting data confidentiality and integrity through encryption and decryption. This technology allows sensitive information to be transformed into an unreadable format that can only be reverted to its original state by authorized users who possess the correct decryption keys.

By encrypting data, organizations can ensure that even if the data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties, it cannot be understood or misused. Furthermore, cryptographic methods also provide mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the data, allowing users to verify that the information has not been altered during transmission or storage. Through this dual focus on confidentiality and integrity, cryptography establishes a secure framework for protecting sensitive information against unauthorized access and tampering, which is essential for maintaining trust in information systems.

The other options address supplementary aspects of security but do not capture the primary role of cryptography as effectively. While authorized access is important, it is not the central focus of cryptography itself, but rather a result of its application. Creating backups is a crucial practice for data availability, but it does not directly relate to the encryption and protection mechanisms that cryptography provides. Finally, real-time network monitoring relates more to detection and response processes rather than the foundational purpose of cryptography in