What precaution should Sharon have taken to protect her information after breaking her cell phone?

Backing up her files is an essential precaution because it ensures that all of Sharon's important data, such as contacts, photos, and other information stored on her phone, is preserved even if the device becomes unusable. In the event of a phone failure, having a backup allows her to recover this data easily on a new device or after repairs.

This practice not only safeguards her information during unforeseen accidents but also provides peace of mind, knowing that she won't lose valuable data. The other options, while they may seem practical in their own contexts, do not address the crucial aspect of data preservation that backing up provides. For instance, purchasing a new phone or resetting to factory settings would not protect the already stored information, and ceasing to use her phone would limit her access entirely without resolving the issue of data protection.