What does removable media encryption prevent?

Removable media encryption primarily prevents unauthorized access to the data stored on the removable media, such as USB drives or external hard disks. When data is encrypted, it transforms the information into a format that can only be understood by someone who has the correct decryption key or password. This means that even if someone gains physical access to the media, they cannot access or read the files without the necessary decryption credentials.

This is particularly crucial for protecting sensitive information that could be lost or stolen. While it can indirectly protect against data loss by ensuring data remains secure during transport or in case of device theft, its primary function is to safeguard the data from unauthorized users. Accidental data deletion is not directly addressed by encryption, as it does not prevent users from deleting files; it only secures the content of the data. Therefore, in the context of this question, the focus on preventing unauthorized access highlights the primary purpose of removable media encryption.