iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

What does the evidence preservation phase depend on?

1. Investigation team's methodologies

2. Data type and tools available

3. System operational efficiency

4. Personnel training programs

The correct answer is: Data type and tools available

The evidence preservation phase is critically influenced by the type of data being handled and the tools available for its preservation. Different data types, such as digital files, databases, or physical evidence, require specific procedures and methodologies for effective preservation. For instance, digital evidence often necessitates the use of specialized forensic tools that can create exact bit-by-bit copies of data to ensure integrity, while physical evidence may need to be handled according to different protocols to avoid contamination. Furthermore, the tools available—such as software for data recovery or hardware for data storage—directly impact how well evidence can be preserved. If the correct tools are used, it enhances the reliability of the data collected and maintained during an investigation, ensuring that it remains intact and can be utilized in future analysis or in legal proceedings. Effective evidence preservation is also contingent upon other factors, such as the capabilities of the investigation team and their methodologies. However, the foundational aspect lies in understanding the nature of the data and ensuring that the appropriate tools are available for its preservation. This underlines the importance of aligning the evidence collection strategy with both the types of data being preserved and the technologies in use.