What poses a risk of data leaks by transmitting data unencrypted?

The choice that poses a risk of data leaks by transmitting data unencrypted is indeed the use of an insecure protocol. Insecure protocols transmit data without employing encryption methods, which means that the information can be intercepted and read by unauthorized parties during transmission. Data traveling across networks can be susceptible to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, making sensitive information vulnerable.

In contrast, secure connections utilize encryption protocols that protect data in transit, making it much more difficult for attackers to access or decipher the information without the appropriate keys or access rights. Encrypted messaging specifically ensures that only the intended recipients can read the messages, while data masking involves obscuring specific data elements to protect sensitive information during processing or storage.

Thus, relying on insecure protocols significantly increases the chances of data leaks, as there are no protective measures safeguarding the data during its journey across a network.