When operating with EFS, what should users remember about encrypted files?

When using the Encrypting File System (EFS), it's crucial to remember that files may lose their encryption when transferred to different locations or systems that do not support EFS. This is particularly important when sharing files over a network or moving them to external drives. If a file encrypted with EFS is copied to a non-Windows system or even to another Windows system without the appropriate user account and permissions, the encryption could be stripped away, making the data accessible to unauthorized users.

EFS is designed to protect files on NTFS file systems, and it relies on the user account that created the encryption to allow access. Therefore, if an encrypted file is moved outside the bounds of the EFS, it can lose its protection unless steps are taken to ensure it remains secure, such as using other encryption methods during data transfer. This highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of EFS when it comes to the management and sharing of sensitive information.