__________ secures financial data by converting it into an unreadable format, ensuring that even if unauthorized users access the file, they cannot decode or interpret its contents without a decryption key.

Cryptographic Encryption scrambles plain transactional text into complex ciphertext. This security measure ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen by unauthorized parties, it cannot be read or understood without the correct decryption key. In contrast, passwords only control entry access at the system's boundary.