CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

Which of the following is an important factor in controlling access to sensitive data on mobile devices?

1. Regular device updates

2. Physical locking mechanisms

3. Data encryption

4. Use of anonymous browsing

The correct answer is: Data encryption

Data encryption is a crucial factor in controlling access to sensitive data on mobile devices because it secures the information by converting it into an unreadable format, which can only be reverted to a readable format by those who have the correct decryption key or password. This ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, the sensitive data remains protected and inaccessible to unauthorized users. While regular device updates can improve security by patching vulnerabilities and adding new features, they do not directly protect the data stored on the device. Physical locking mechanisms can prevent unauthorized access to the device itself but do not secure the data if the device is compromised. The use of anonymous browsing is focused more on privacy and online activities rather than protecting the data stored on the device. Therefore, among the given options, data encryption stands out as the most effective method for safeguarding sensitive information on mobile devices.