How does encryption in transit primarily protect data?

Encryption in transit primarily protects data by safeguarding it during transmission over networks. This means that when data is being sent from one point to another—such as from a user's device to a server—it is transformed into a format that is unreadable to unauthorized users or systems. This process is crucial because data can be intercepted while it is in transit, making it vulnerable to attacks such as eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks.

By encrypting data in transit, organizations ensure that even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be easily deciphered without the appropriate decryption key. This protection is vital for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information, such as personal data or financial details, as it travels across potentially insecure networks.

In contrast, options focusing on secure databases or data at rest address different aspects of data security. While these are important, they pertain to protecting data that is stored rather than data actively being transmitted. Similarly, access via VPN is an additional layer for securing data transmission but does not encompass the broader mechanism of encryption specifically designed to protect data as it moves.