What does encryption protect against?

Encryption protects against unauthorized access to sensitive information by converting it into a coded format that can only be deciphered with a specific key. This mechanism safeguards data from eavesdropping, data breaches, and theft, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key. Additionally, encryption helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of information, enhancing overall data security in various contexts, such as communications and storage.