The term data encryption in cybersecurity means the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. This technique ensures that sensitive information, whether at rest or in transit, is protected from interception and exploitation by cyber threats. Encryption uses algorithms and keys to transform readable data into an unreadable format, which can only be reverted to its original state by authorized users with the correct decryption key. This is crucial for safeguarding personal and financial information and is a fundamental aspect of modern cybersecurity protocols.