Which of the following is an example of an access control for protecting PII and PHI?

Locking all devices with a password or key serves as an effective access control measure for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). This approach ensures that only authorized individuals can access the devices that contain sensitive information. By requiring a password or key, it significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, thereby protecting the data from potential breaches or misuse.

Access controls like these are vital in various contexts, particularly in healthcare and data management fields, as they help to maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. In contrast to the correct choice, options that suggest unrestricted access or the use of unsecured networks would compromise data security and increase vulnerability to data breaches.