What should be done to data during the create phase of the data life cycle...

During the create phase of the cloud data life cycle, data is first generated or collected by an organization. At this stage, it is essential to apply security controls before the data is transferred to the cloud environment. The most effective control during this phase is encryption. Encrypting data ensures that the information is transformed into an unreadable format, protecting it from unauthorized access while it is being transmitted and stored in the cloud.

Managing Cloud principles emphasize that security must be applied as early as possible in the data life cycle to minimize exposure and reduce risk. If data is encrypted prior to upload, even if interception or unauthorized access occurs, the data remains protected and unusable without the appropriate decryption keys. This approach also supports data confidentiality requirements and aligns with security best practices for handling sensitive and regulated information.

The other options do not provide adequate protection during the create phase. Storing or archiving data refers to later life cycle stages, while sharing data increases exposure rather than securing it. Therefore, encrypting data before uploading it to the cloud is a critical safeguard that ensures data confidentiality, supports compliance requirements, and strengthens overall cloud security posture.