What is the correct term for the encoded data that is not readable in its original form?

The correct term for the encoded data that is not readable in its original form is encrypted data. This refers to the process of transforming readable data, or plaintext, into an unreadable format using algorithms and keys. The purpose of encryption is to ensure confidentiality and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, even if someone were to gain access to it, they would not be able to understand or use it without the proper decryption key.

In contrast, a data file is a more general term that refers to any file containing data regardless of its format or state of encoding. Plain text refers to data that is human-readable and has not undergone any form of encoding or encryption. Compressed data is a different concept; it involves reducing the size of data for storage or transmission but does not make it unreadable in its original form. Thus, the focus on encoded, unintelligible data clearly identifies encrypted data as the correct answer.