Question

Why must a forensic investigator identify the type of device being investigated?

a) Because devices can be modified by changing logos or modifying the OS
b) Because devices sync with different operating systems
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above

Answer 1

Forensic investigators need to identify the type of device for accurate evidence extraction. Devices can have altered appearances or OS, and sync differently with various OS, affecting forensic tools and techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

Forensic investigators must identify the type of device being investigated to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the investigation. The correct answer to the question is c) Both a and b. Devices can indeed be modified by users, either by changing the logos to masquerade as a different brand or by altering the operating system (OS) to hide evidence or illegal activity. Additionally, devices have different ways of syncing with various operating systems, and an investigator needs to be aware of these specifics to retrieve data correctly.

The type of device can significantly affect which tools and techniques can be used in the forensic process. For example, an iPhone would require different software for data extraction than an Android device. Moreover, understanding how a device operates and its potential vulnerabilities can assist forensic experts in identifying where evidence might be located and how it can be extracted safely without compromising it.