What does encryption specifically refer to in information security?

Encryption in information security specifically refers to the transformation of plaintext into unreadable ciphertext. This process involves converting readable data into a format that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized users, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential even if it is intercepted or accessed by malicious actors.

In this context, plaintext is the original data that needs protection, while ciphertext is the result of the encryption process. The primary purpose of encryption is to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of data, making it accessible only to those who possess the correct decryption keys or credentials.

The other options describe different aspects of information security. Decoding ciphertext refers to decryption, which is the reverse process of encryption and not directly related to the definition of encryption itself. Storing data in a secure location focuses on data security rather than the conversion process involved in encryption. The verification of user identities pertains to authentication mechanisms and is separate from the processes involved in encryption and decryption.