What is a key benefit of using encryption in data transmission?

Using encryption in data transmission is primarily beneficial because it ensures the privacy of information. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that is unreadable to anyone who does not have the proper decryption key. This means that even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it cannot be easily understood or utilized by unauthorized individuals.

The benefit of privacy is crucial in today's digital communication landscape, as it protects sensitive information, such as personal details, financial data, and confidential business communications, from being disclosed to unintended recipients. The use of encryption thereby fosters trust in communication systems, making it a fundamental practice in securing sensitive data shared over networks.

Other options do not directly reflect the core advantages associated with encryption. For instance, while encryption may have varied impacts on transmission speed, its primary purpose is not to increase the length of transmission time. Simplifying user authentication is related to different security measures, and making data more accessible contradicts the core purpose of encryption, which is to restrict access to data exclusively to authorized users.