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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A small business owner wants to protect sensitive…
A small business owner wants to protect sensitive customer data stored on a laptop that is frequently used on public Wi-Fi networks. The owner is considering implementing a security control that ensures data remains confidential even if the laptop is stolen. Which of the following is the BEST control for this scenario?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse encryption of data in transit (VPN) with encryption of data at rest (FDE), or assume that a strong password alone is sufficient to protect data after physical theft.
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
✓
Implement full-disk encryption
Full-disk encryption (FDE) protects data at rest by encrypting the entire storage volume, typically using AES-128 or AES-256. Even if the laptop is stolen, the encrypted data remains unreadable without the decryption key, ensuring confidentiality. This directly addresses the requirement for data protection after physical 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.
- ✗
Use a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi
Why it's wrong here
A VPN encrypts network traffic, not data stored on the device.
- ✗
Install antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus protects against malware but does not ensure data confidentiality if the device is stolen.
- ✓
Implement full-disk encryption
Why this is correct
Full-disk encryption protects data at rest by encrypting the entire drive, so data is unreadable without the decryption key.
- ✗
Require a strong password for user login
Why it's wrong here
A strong password prevents unauthorized login but does not encrypt data at rest.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.