What security measure can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data?

Data encryption is a critical security measure that effectively protects sensitive corporate data by transforming it into a format that is unreadable to unauthorized users. This process involves using algorithms to encode the data, which can only be decrypted and accessed by individuals or systems that possess the correct cryptographic key.

By implementing data encryption, organizations can ensure that even if unauthorized parties gain access to the physical storage or transmission medium of the data, they cannot easily interpret or use the information without the decryption key. This acts as a strong barrier against data breaches, thereby safeguarding confidential information from being misused or disclosed inappropriately.

Other options, such as public access policies and open network configurations, do not contribute to protecting sensitive data in the same effective manner. A public access policy might allow unrestricted access to information, increasing the risk of unauthorized users obtaining sensitive data. Similarly, an open network configuration can result in vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, leading to data exposure instead of protection. Unfiltered access further reduces security by allowing individuals to bypass necessary authentication and authorization mechanisms, making sensitive data accessible to anyone.