Which of the following is NOT a method used to protect data?

Data theft notification is not a method used to protect data; rather, it is a response action taken after a data breach has occurred. Its primary function is to inform affected individuals and organizations that their data may have been compromised, enabling them to take necessary precautionary measures.

In contrast, encryption is a proactive method that transforms data into a secure format that can only be read with the correct decryption key, thereby protecting it from unauthorized access. Physical access control also plays a critical role in data protection by restricting access to the physical locations where data is stored, such as data centers, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Cloud storage, while it provides a means to store data, often incorporates various security measures, including encryption and access controls, making it a platform for data protection rather than a protective method on its own.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the different roles involved in data protection strategies versus the action of notifying about breaches.