Which of the following is a benefit of data encryption?

Data encryption is primarily implemented to secure sensitive information by encoding it so that only authorized users can access and interpret the data. The main benefit of data encryption lies in its ability to enhance security against unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, it becomes unreadable to anyone who does not possess the corresponding decryption key. This means that even if an unauthorized party intercepts the encrypted data during transmission or access attempts to stored data, they would not be able to make sense of the information without the decryption key, thus protecting it from breaches and ensuring confidentiality.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of encryption. For instance, while encryption can add a layer of security during data transfer, it often comes at the cost of transfer speed due to the additional processing required to encrypt and decrypt data. Similarly, encryption does not inherently reduce data loss during transmission, as it focuses more on protecting the data rather than ensuring its integrity during transfer. Lastly, while encryption could indirectly assist in cost management by preventing potential data breaches, the direct relationship between encryption and lower storage costs is not a recognized benefit.