What complicates the protection of vital information processed by computers?

The correct choice highlights a significant challenge in protecting vital information processed by computers: the vulnerability to water damage. Water damage can lead to critical failures in hardware and loss of data, which are paramount in contexts where information security is crucial. Computers and their components, like hard drives and motherboards, can short circuit or corrode when exposed to moisture. This risk emphasizes the importance of environmental controls and disaster recovery plans for data protection.

While other factors, such as the susceptibility to dirt and hazardous gases, may pose risks to equipment and operational integrity, they are often less impactful compared to the immediate and catastrophic effects of water damage. The availability of EMP-protective devices isn't a complication; instead, it represents a protective measure against electromagnetic pulses that could disrupt electronic systems. Similarly, consolidation of data can present its own challenges regarding access and management, but it does not directly relate to the physical vulnerabilities of the data storage hardware.