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How to Protect Data on a Stolen Laptop Using BitLocker
A small business owner wants to ensure that if a laptop is stolen, the data on the drive cannot be read. The laptop runs Windows 11 Pro. What is the most appropriate remediation?
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable BitLocker on the system drive, as this is the most appropriate remediation for protecting data on a stolen laptop running Windows 11 Pro. BitLocker is a native full-disk encryption feature that encrypts the entire drive, including the operating system, applications, and all user data, rendering it unreadable without the recovery key or TPM authentication—even if the drive is physically removed and attached to another computer. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of data destruction and physical security controls, often appearing as a scenario where the thief bypasses the login screen but cannot access the encrypted data. A common trap is confusing BitLocker with EFS (Encrypting File System), which only encrypts individual files, not the whole drive. Remember the mnemonic: “BitLocker blocks the boot, EFS only encrypts the file.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a BIOS password with drive encryption, thinking it secures the data, but BIOS passwords only control boot access and do not protect against physical drive removal and forensic analysis.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable BitLocker on the system drive
BitLocker is the native full-disk encryption feature in Windows 11 Pro that encrypts the entire system drive, including the operating system, applications, and all user data. If the laptop is stolen, the data on the drive remains unreadable without the recovery key or TPM authentication, even if the drive is removed and attached to another computer. This directly addresses the requirement to prevent data access after theft.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set a strong BIOS password
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS password blocks booting and firmware changes, but the drive can be removed and read on another machine. Tempting because it stops casual access at startup, yet it protects the system, not the data at rest; BitLocker encryption is what makes the contents unreadable.
- ✓
Enable BitLocker on the system drive
Why this is correct
BitLocker encrypts the entire system drive with AES, so a thief removing the disk cannot read its contents without the recovery key or TPM-bound credentials. Windows 11 Pro supports BitLocker, meeting the requirement that stolen-laptop data remain unreadable.
- ✗
Install an antivirus with anti-theft features
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus anti-theft features track or remotely wipe a device, but they cannot prevent offline reading of the drive once removed. Tempting because anti-theft sounds like data protection, yet only full-disk encryption such as BitLocker renders the drive unreadable without credentials.
- ✗
Use a cloud backup service
Why it's wrong here
Cloud backup copies data elsewhere for recovery, but the local drive remains readable by anyone who removes it. Tempting because backups protect against loss, yet the scenario requires confidentiality if stolen; BitLocker full-disk encryption is what prevents reading the drive.
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One of 687 original 220-1202 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1202
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a remote employee who will handle sensitive customer data. Which security feature should be enabled to ensure that if the laptop is lost, the data remains protected?
easy- A.Windows Defender Firewall
- B.User Account Control (UAC)
- ✓ C.BitLocker Drive Encryption
- D.Windows Hello for Business
Why C: BitLocker Drive Encryption (C) is the correct choice because it provides full-disk encryption using AES encryption algorithms, ensuring that if the laptop is lost or stolen, the sensitive customer data remains inaccessible without the recovery key or TPM authentication. This directly addresses the requirement to protect data at rest on a lost device.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.