What is the process of reversing data encryption known as?

The process of reversing data encryption is known as decryption. Decryption is the mechanism that takes encrypted data, which has been transformed using an encryption algorithm, and converts it back into its original, readable format. This is essential in ensuring that authorized users can access the data after it has been secured through encryption.

In the context of data security, while encryption protects sensitive information by transforming it into an unreadable format, decryption is the counterpart process that allows for the recovery of that information. The key used in the encryption process typically plays a crucial role in decryption, as the same key (or a corresponding one, in the case of asymmetric encryption) is often required to reverse the encryption process.

Other terms in the options relate to different concepts. Encoding refers to the process of converting data into a different format for various purposes, such as data representation, without implying any secure transformation. Encryption is the act of converting plain text into encrypted text. Hashing is a method used to produce a fixed-size string of characters from input data, which is not reversible, making it unsuitable for reconverting to original data.