What does 'data protection' refer to?

Data protection specifically refers to the measures and practices designed to safeguard personal data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This concept is crucial in ensuring the privacy and security of individuals’ information, particularly in an age where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent.

Safeguarding personal data involves various strategies, including legal regulations (such as GDPR), organizational policies, and technological solutions that help prevent misuse or exploitation of data. The focus is on preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information, thereby empowering individuals by giving them control over their personal data.

The other options revolve around different aspects of data management rather than the concept of data protection. Storing data in an easily accessible manner pertains more to data management and accessibility rather than security. Encrypting data is a technique used within the realm of data protection but does not encompass the entire scope of what data protection is. Transferring data to cloud storage relates to where data is located rather than the protective measures for that data.