Final answer:
It is critical to securely wipe a disk before using it for evidence storage to prevent data commingling, maintain the integrity of the investigation, and ensure legal admissibility of evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is it important to securely wipe (erase) a disk before saving evidence to it? The correct answer is a) Yes, always. In the context of digital forensics, securely wiping a disk before using it for evidence storage is critical. This ensures that no residual data from previous contents can interfere with the evidence you are attempting to store.
If a disk isn't wiped, there is a risk that existing data could become commingled with the evidence, which could compromise the integrity of the investigation and the ability to use the evidence in legal proceedings. Therefore, a clean and verifiable disk is necessary to maintain the chain of custody and ensure the admissibility of evidence.