Which of the following is essential in data protection?

The choice that emphasizes the use of strong passwords and encryption is crucial in data protection because these practices establish foundational security controls for safeguarding sensitive information. Strong passwords serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access by making it significantly more challenging for attackers to compromise user accounts. When combined with encryption, data is rendered unreadable to anyone without the decryption key, thus protecting it from breaches and ensuring confidentiality during storage and transmission.

Encryption secures data at rest as well as data in transit, effectively mitigating risks associated with data interception or unauthorized access. Strong passwords help protect accounts, while encryption ensures that even if data is accessed, it cannot be understood without proper authorization, reinforcing the integrity and confidentiality of the information.

The other options do not contribute to effective data protection. Minimal data collection is important for privacy and compliance but does not directly enhance security. Frequent data transfer to third parties can increase risk exposure and doesn't inherently protect data. Public sharing of all data is in direct contradiction to data protection principles, as it invites unauthorized access and potential misuse of information.