The answer is full-disk encryption. This is the correct control because full-disk encryption (FDE) encrypts the entire storage volume, including the operating system, boot files, and all user data at the sector level, so when the drive is physically removed and connected to another computer, every file remains unreadable without the decryption key or passphrase. In contrast, file-level encryption only protects individual files, leaving metadata, temporary files, and the OS exposed. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data-at-rest protections and the difference between full disk encryption and file encryption; a common trap is choosing file encryption because it seems sufficient, but it fails to protect the entire drive after theft. Remember the memory tip: FDE covers the whole drive like a sealed vault, while file encryption is like locking individual drawers inside an open room.
SY0-701 General Security Concepts Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A manager wants files on a stolen laptop to remain unreadable even if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. Which control should be implemented?
Why wrong: Compression reduces file size, but it does not protect data from unauthorized reading.
B
Full-disk encryption
Full-disk encryption protects data stored on the laptop by making the contents unreadable without the proper key or passphrase. If the drive is removed and attached to another computer, the data still remains protected because it is encrypted at rest. This is a common and effective control for portable devices that may be lost or stolen.
C
Packet filtering
Why wrong: Packet filtering protects network traffic, but it does not protect data stored on a local drive.
D
Digital signing
Why wrong: Digital signing helps verify integrity and origin, but it does not hide the file contents.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Full-disk encryption
Full-disk encryption (FDE) encrypts the entire storage volume, including the operating system, applications, and all user data. When the drive is removed and connected to another computer, the encrypted data remains inaccessible without the correct decryption key or passphrase, ensuring files stay unreadable. This directly addresses the manager's requirement for data confidentiality even after physical theft.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
File compression
Why it's wrong here
Compression reduces file size, but it does not protect data from unauthorized reading.
✓
Full-disk encryption
Why this is correct
Full-disk encryption protects data stored on the laptop by making the contents unreadable without the proper key or passphrase. If the drive is removed and attached to another computer, the data still remains protected because it is encrypted at rest. This is a common and effective control for portable devices that may be lost or stolen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Packet filtering
Why it's wrong here
Packet filtering protects network traffic, but it does not protect data stored on a local drive.
✗
Digital signing
Why it's wrong here
Digital signing helps verify integrity and origin, but it does not hide the file contents.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse file compression with encryption, thinking that compressing files makes them unreadable, but compression is a reversible encoding process with no security properties.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Full-disk encryption typically uses symmetric encryption algorithms like AES-256, with the encryption key stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or derived from a user passphrase. When the drive is removed, the TPM is no longer available, and the encrypted data can only be decrypted with the correct key, which is not stored on the drive itself. In practice, BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) implement FDE and require a recovery key for external access.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Full-disk encryption — Full-disk encryption (FDE) encrypts the entire storage volume, including the operating system, applications, and all user data. When the drive is removed and connected to another computer, the encrypted data remains inaccessible without the correct decryption key or passphrase, ensuring files stay unreadable. This directly addresses the manager's requirement for data confidentiality even after physical theft.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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