How does encryption contribute to data integrity?

Encryption plays a crucial role in maintaining data integrity by ensuring that the data remains unchanged during transmission. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into an unreadable format that can only be reverted to its original form with the correct decryption key. This process not only secures the data from unauthorized access but also incorporates mechanisms that allow the recipient to verify that the data received matches the data that was sent.

When encryption is combined with techniques like hashing, it can detect any alterations that may have occurred to the data during transit. If the hash value of the decrypted data does not match the expected value, it indicates that the data may have been tampered with. Therefore, when employing encryption, you are actively creating a system where any unauthorized changes can be identified, thereby contributing significantly to data integrity.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the role of encryption. Options that mention solely protecting from unauthorized access or eliminating physical security do not address the integrity aspect, while compression relates more to efficiency than to ensuring data has not been altered.