What recommendation can be made to protect sensitive data on company laptops from unauthorized access?

Implementing Encrypting File System (EFS) on all laptops is a robust and effective measure for protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. EFS is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to encrypt files and folders on their laptops. By using EFS, any data that is encrypted can only be accessed by users who have the appropriate decryption key, which is typically tied to their user account. This adds an additional layer of security, making it significantly more challenging for unauthorized users to access the encrypted files, even if they gain physical access to the laptop.

Using strong passwords, while critical for overall security, primarily helps to prevent unauthorized access to the user account itself rather than providing file-level protection. Encrypting files manually can also enhance security, but it may lead to inconsistencies and is more prone to user error, making it less reliable than a systematic and automated approach like EFS. Limiting physical access is important and can certainly reduce the risk of theft or unauthorized use, but it does not protect data that is on the laptop if it is lost or stolen. EFS provides a security mechanism specifically designed to guard sensitive data beyond just the physical security measures put in place.