Meaning: 'Case' refers to a specific situation or argument that is being considered or discussed.

Wrong options:

• contract: The term 'contract' is a noun that refers to a formal agreement, which does not fit the context of discussing an ethical argument.
• challenge: While 'challenge' is a noun that could relate to difficulties, it does not convey the idea of making an argument or case for something.
• defend: 'Defend' is a verb that implies protection or justification, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• ensure: 'Ensure' is a verb that means to make certain, which does not fit as a noun and does not relate to the ethical argument being made.
• overcome: 'Overcome' is a verb that means to prevail over difficulties, which does not fit as a noun in this context.

Correct answer: ensure

Explanation: The word 'ensure' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, as it indicates the action companies must take to guarantee the reduction of risks associated with data breaches.

Meaning: 'Ensure' means to make certain that something will happen or be the case.

Wrong options:

• case: 'Case' is a noun that does not fit the context of an action that companies need to take regarding data security.
• challenge: 'Challenge' is a noun that refers to a difficulty or obstacle, which does not convey the action of guaranteeing safety.
• defend: 'Defend' is a verb that implies protection, but it does not specifically relate to the action of ensuring safety in this context.
• contract: 'Contract' is a noun that refers to a formal agreement, which does not fit the action required in this sentence.
• overcome: 'Overcome' is a verb that means to prevail over difficulties, but it does not convey the proactive action of ensuring safety.

Correct answer: overcome

Explanation: The word 'overcome' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the action of dealing with and resolving the legal and technical hurdles that companies face in sharing data.

Meaning: 'Overcome' means to successfully deal with or prevail over a challenge or obstacle.

Wrong options:

• case: 'Case' is a noun that does not fit the context of an action needed to address hurdles.
• ensure: 'Ensure' is a verb that means to make certain, but it does not relate to the action of dealing with hurdles in this context.
• challenge: 'Challenge' is a noun that refers to an obstacle, which does not fit as an action to be taken.
• defend: 'Defend' is a verb that implies protection, but it does not convey the action of addressing hurdles in this context.
• contract: 'Contract' is a noun that refers to a formal agreement, which does not fit the action required in this sentence.