What is the primary purpose of encryption in network communications?

The primary purpose of encryption in network communications is to secure sensitive data from unauthorized access. Encryption transforms data into a coded format that can only be read by someone who has the appropriate decryption key. This ensures that even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it remains unreadable and protected from prying eyes. This is particularly crucial in scenarios involving personal information, financial data, or any other sensitive content that requires confidentiality.

In contrast to this, options related to improving internet speed, server performance, or optimizing network configurations address different aspects of network management and performance rather than the core function of encryption. These activities may enhance the efficiency or speed of data transmission but do not provide the essential security that encryption offers.