Which of the following measures can help protect personal information?

Data encryption techniques are essential for protecting personal information because they convert data into a coded format that can only be accessed or decrypted by individuals with the appropriate key. This ensures confidentiality, as even if unauthorized parties manage to access the data, they cannot interpret it without the necessary decryption tools. Encryption serves as a strong defense against data breaches and helps organizations comply with privacy regulations by ensuring that sensitive personal information remains secure, both in transit and at rest.

In contrast, public access to data repositories increases the risk of unauthorized access and data exposure. Unrestricted data sharing can lead to the accidental or intentional dissemination of personal information without proper safeguards, while informal data storage practices often lack security measures, making data more vulnerable to loss or theft. These practices undermine the confidentiality and integrity of personal information, highlighting the necessity of employing robust encryption techniques for data protection.