Which of the following best describes encryption in computer science?

Encryption in computer science refers specifically to the process of securing data by converting it into a format that is not easily understandable to unauthorized users. This transformation ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed without permission, it remains protected and confidential. The intent behind encryption is to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as personal identification, financial data, and confidential communications.

This involves using algorithms and keys to perform the transformation, which makes the data appear as random characters to anyone who does not possess the necessary key to decrypt it back to its original format. This capability is crucial in various applications ranging from secure communications over the internet to protecting data stored in databases.

In contrast, the other choices revolve around different aspects of data management or security but do not specifically embody the essence of encryption. For example, transforming data into a readable format would imply making it accessible rather than securing it, while backing up data for safety focuses on redundancy and recovery rather than encryption. Meanwhile, optimizing data storage pertains to arrangements and efficiency in storing data, which is unrelated to the process of securing data through encryption.