Which measure is MOST effective in protecting data on mobile devices?

Which measure is MOST effective in protecting data on mobile devices?

• A. Protection of data being transmitted
• B. Encryption of stored data
• C. Power-on passwords
• D. Biometric access control

Answer: (B)

Encryption of stored data is considered the most effective measure for protecting data on mobile devices because it ensures that sensitive information is rendered unreadable to unauthorized users. When data is encrypted, it requires a specific key or password to access it, making it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals or malware to retrieve and exploit that information, even if they gain physical access to the device. Mobile devices are particularly vulnerable due to their portability and the potential for loss or theft. In these scenarios, if the data on the device is encrypted, it minimizes the risk of data breaches. Even if the device is compromised, the encrypted data remains protected as long as the decryption keys are not also obtained. Other options play important roles in a comprehensive security strategy, but they do not provide the same level of protection for stored data. For instance, protecting data being transmitted is crucial for safeguarding information during transfer but doesn't address the security of data at rest. Power-on passwords and biometric access control enhance access management and user authentication, yet they do not secure the information itself once a user gains access to the device. If an adversary gains access, they could still view or misuse unencrypted data. Hence, encryption of stored data stands out as the most effective measure for safeguarding sensitive information on

Encryption of stored data is considered the most effective measure for protecting data on mobile devices because it ensures that sensitive information is rendered unreadable to unauthorized users. When data is encrypted, it requires a specific key or password to access it, making it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals or malware to retrieve and exploit that information, even if they gain physical access to the device.

Mobile devices are particularly vulnerable due to their portability and the potential for loss or theft. In these scenarios, if the data on the device is encrypted, it minimizes the risk of data breaches. Even if the device is compromised, the encrypted data remains protected as long as the decryption keys are not also obtained.

Other options play important roles in a comprehensive security strategy, but they do not provide the same level of protection for stored data. For instance, protecting data being transmitted is crucial for safeguarding information during transfer but doesn't address the security of data at rest. Power-on passwords and biometric access control enhance access management and user authentication, yet they do not secure the information itself once a user gains access to the device. If an adversary gains access, they could still view or misuse unencrypted data. Hence, encryption of stored data stands out as the most effective measure for safeguarding sensitive information on