Final answer:
The most effective measure to protect a company from liability if laptops are stolen is to encrypt all laptops and train employees on security protocols. Strong, unpredictable passwords and anti-virus software also contribute to safeguarding data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key step in protecting a company from potential liability in the event its laptops are stolen is to encrypt all laptops and provide training on data security to employees. This step ensures that if the physical device is taken, the information contained within remains inaccessible to unauthorized parties.
Additional protective measures include using passwords and PINs that cannot be easily guessed, which helps prevent unauthorized access even if a device is not stolen but is temporarily unattended or lost. Moreover, implementing the use of anti-virus software on all company computers can protect sensitive information from malware and cyber threats that might exploit stolen laptop data.
While not directly mentioned in the multiple-choice options, it's also important to protect your mailbox and wallet, as physical theft or unauthorized access to correspondence can lead to data breaches and increased liability for a company.