Which of the following is NOT a main data processing activity?

• A. Encrypting data
• B. Collecting
• C. Storing
• D. Deleting

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is distinguishing core data handling steps from security measures. Collecting, storing, and deleting are fundamental actions in the data lifecycle: you gather data, keep it for appropriate use, and remove it when it’s no longer needed. Encrypting data is a protective measure that secures data during storage or transmission; it doesn’t by itself constitute a primary data handling action in the lifecycle. Its role is to protect the data while processing, rather than to describe the core processing step itself. That's why encrypting data is not considered a main data processing activity.