Why is data encryption considered important in IT security?

Data encryption plays a crucial role in IT security primarily because it transforms sensitive data into an unreadable format. This process ensures that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the data, they cannot decipher it without the appropriate decryption keys. This is particularly vital for protecting personal information, financial data, and confidential business information against theft and unauthorized access. By rendering the data unreadable, encryption serves as a fundamental barrier that helps maintain data confidentiality and integrity, critical components of any robust security strategy.

While other options mention aspects that are beneficial in different contexts (like improving system performance or enhancing network speed), they do not pertain directly to the primary purpose of encryption, which is to secure data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users. Such security measures are essential for compliance with regulations, building customer trust, and preventing data breaches.