Which term describes the difference between readable data and data transformed into an unreadable format?

Which term describes the difference between readable data and data transformed into an unreadable format?

• A. Common use cases for encryption
• B. Password privacy
• C. Password history
• D. Plain text vs cipher text

Answer: (D)

Plain text vs cipher text is the term that captures the difference between readable data and data turned into an unreadable format. Plain text is the original, human-readable form. When encryption is applied, it becomes cipher text, which appears unintelligible until it’s decrypted with the correct key. This distinction underpins data confidentiality because cipher text can be stored or transmitted safely, knowing only authorized parties can convert it back to readable form. The other options describe why encryption is used or aspects of password handling, but they don’t describe the actual state of data being readable versus unreadable.

Plain text vs cipher text is the term that captures the difference between readable data and data turned into an unreadable format. Plain text is the original, human-readable form. When encryption is applied, it becomes cipher text, which appears unintelligible until it’s decrypted with the correct key. This distinction underpins data confidentiality because cipher text can be stored or transmitted safely, knowing only authorized parties can convert it back to readable form. The other options describe why encryption is used or aspects of password handling, but they don’t describe the actual state of data being readable versus unreadable.