Question 16

Configure the screen lock.

Setting up a screen lock is the first step to prevent unauthorized access on a lost mobile device. This measure ensures that even if the device is found or stolen, unauthorized users cannot easily access the information stored on it.

A) Configure the screen lock.

This option is correct because configuring the screen lock establishes a barrier that protects sensitive data from unauthorized users. Without this basic security feature, anyone who finds the device can access personal information, making it a fundamental step in mobile device security.

B) Enable two-factor authentication.

While two-factor authentication is an important security measure, it is generally used to secure accounts rather than the device itself. Therefore, it does not serve as an immediate preventive step for a lost mobile device, making this option incorrect.

C) Set up remote wipe.

Setting up a remote wipe is an effective way to protect data after a device is lost, but it is not the first step. This action can erase data only after the device is already in the wrong hands, which highlights that it is a reactive measure rather than a proactive one.

D) Activate geofencing.

Activating geofencing can help in tracking a device within a certain area, but it does not prevent unauthorized access. This option does not provide immediate security in the event of loss, making it less effective as a primary step for preventing access to the device.

Conclusion

Configuring the screen lock is the most effective initial step to secure a mobile device against unauthorized access when lost. Other options, while valuable in certain contexts, are either reactive or do not directly prevent access to the device itself. Thus, setting a screen lock is essential for safeguarding personal information.