Dominate GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity 2025 – Unlock Your Cyber Skills!

To encrypt data effectively, three essential components are required: the original unencrypted message, the encryption key, and the encryption algorithm. The original unencrypted message serves as the source data that needs protection. The encryption key is a critical part of the process; it is a secret value used in conjunction with the encryption algorithm to transform the message into an unreadable format. The encryption algorithm defines the method or process applied to the message and key to ensure secure transformation, which can only be reversed by someone possessing the correct key.

The other choices involve incorrect or irrelevant components. The inclusion of a hash key or security key does not align with the basic requirements for performing encryption, as they do not directly contribute to the encryption of the original data. Concepts like "decrypted message" or "backup key" also do not pertain to the encryption process, as they shift focus away from what is necessary for encrypting data. Thus, the emphasis on the original unencrypted message, an encryption key, and an encryption algorithm in the correct choice encapsulates the fundamental principles of encryption practices.