Which measure is essential in protecting sensitive data stored on portable devices?

Encrypting sensitive information is a vital measure for protecting data stored on portable devices. When sensitive data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. This ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, unauthorized individuals cannot easily access the protected data. Encryption provides a strong layer of security against data breaches and helps safeguard personal and organizational information from theft or misuse.

In contrast, leaving data unencrypted compromises its security, making it more vulnerable to unauthorized access. Storing only non-sensitive data does not fully address the potential risks associated with portable devices that may inadvertently store sensitive information. Finally, not using passwords for convenience significantly weakens the overall security posture of any device, allowing anyone who gains physical access to the device to access the data without any hurdles. Therefore, utilizing encryption is the best practice for protecting sensitive information on portable devices.