What is the best method to protect patient information stored on laptops that are frequently moved between locations?

Implementing full-disk encryption on laptops is the best method to protect patient information, especially when these devices are frequently moved between various locations. Full-disk encryption secures all data on the laptop by encoding it, making it inaccessible without the proper decryption keys. This means that even if a laptop is lost or stolen, the information contained on the hard drive remains protected and cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals.

The other methods listed may provide certain levels of protection but do not address the core issue of safeguarding the data on the laptop itself. Regular software updates can help to mitigate vulnerabilities in the system but do not encrypt the data. Cloud storage backups can be a safety measure for data loss but do not protect data on the laptop itself when it is in transit. Access control lists are important for managing permissions but do not encrypt or provide security for the data at rest on the device. Therefore, full-disk encryption stands out as the most effective approach for protecting sensitive patient information.