What term describes the process that makes access to target data on media infeasible?

The term that best describes the process which makes access to target data on media infeasible is sanitizing. Sanitizing refers to the methods used to remove or render data on storage media unrecoverable, ensuring that sensitive information cannot be retrieved after it's been erased. This often includes processes like overwriting data multiple times or degaussing magnetic media, effectively preventing any future access to the original content.

Wiping, while similar, often refers specifically to the deletion of data but may not encompass broader practices aimed at ensuring that data is truly unrecoverable. Encrypting involves transforming data into a format that is not easily readable without a key, which keeps the data secure, but does not itself destroy the data or prevent access if the key is obtained. Backing up refers to the process of making copies of data for recovery purposes, which does not inhibit access but rather ensures the data's availability.