What is a common method to ensure the confidentiality of data within a secure lab environment that is not connected to external networks?

File level encryption is a common method to ensure the confidentiality of data within a secure lab environment that is not connected to external networks. This approach involves enciphering the contents of files so that only authorized users with the proper decryption keys can access or read the information contained within those files.

By using file level encryption, sensitive data can be safely stored and protected even if the physical storage media are compromised. This method ensures that confidential information remains secure, regardless of the underlying infrastructure, as it does not rely on the external environment or network security.

Additionally, while network segmentation, data masking, and access control lists all contribute to data security in various ways, they do not specifically address the confidentiality of stored data in the same direct manner as file level encryption. Network segmentation focuses on isolating different segments of the network to limit access, data masking is typically used to obscure data in transit or during processing, and access control lists help manage who can access certain resources. However, none of these methods provide the same level of direct encryption for data at rest that file level encryption offers.