Unauthorized access to sensitive data stored

 

The Question:

The core issue is preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data on a mobile device that is lost or stolen. This is a common and significant security concern as mobile devices are easily misplaced and often contain valuable information.

The Options:

• A) Strong encryption of the data: This is the correct answer. Encryption scrambles the data, making it unreadable without the decryption key. If a device is lost or stolen, the data remains protected as long as the encryption is robust and the key is not easily guessed or bypassed.

• B) Regularly updating device firmware: While important for overall security (patching vulnerabilities, improving performance), this is not the MOST effective control for data protection in a loss/theft scenario. Updates don't directly protect data if the device falls into the wrong hands in its current state.

• C) Implementing biometric authentication: (Fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.) This is a good security measure to prevent unauthorized access when the legitimate owner is using the device. However, it's less effective when the device is lost or stolen. A determined thief might find ways to bypass biometric security (e.g., through coercion or technical exploits). Furthermore, if the device is simply powered off, it may not require biometric authentication to access the data.

• D) Storing data in a secure cloud environment: This helps protect data if the device is destroyed or inaccessible, but it's not the primary control for preventing unauthorized access if the device is stolen and still functional. The data in the cloud is protected, but the data on the device is still vulnerable until the device is remotely wiped or locked.

Why Encryption is the Most Effective:

Encryption directly addresses the problem of unauthorized access to data on the device itself. Even if a thief gains physical possession of the device, they cannot access the sensitive data without the decryption key if the encryption is implemented correctly.

In summary, while all options contribute to security, strong encryption is the most effective single control for protecting sensitive data on a mobile device that might be lost or stolen. It provides a robust barrier against unauthorized access, regardless of how the data ends up in the wrong hands.