The type of investigation aimed at discovering the initial problem that allowed a hacker to infiltrate and steal sensitive data is known as Digital Forensics, which is key for understanding and preventing data breaches. Therefore, the correct answer is option C. Digital Forensics.
When a company begins the process of discovering the initial problem that allowed a hacker to bypass security measures and exfiltrate sensitive data, this type of investigation is commonly referred to as Digital Forensics. Digital forensics involves the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crime. The goal is to preserve evidence in its most original form while performing a structured investigation by collecting, identifying, and validating the digital information for reconstructing past events.
The activities following the breach, like tracing the hacker's entry point, assessing the scope of the damage, recovering lost data, and strengthening security policies, are critical aspects of digital forensics. This field is particularly important as it can provide the needed evidence to prosecute in a court of law and also help prevent future breaches by understanding how the attack was carried out.
Data breaches can have significant repercussions for businesses, organizations, and even governments, leading to the compromise of sensitive information. The process of digital forensics is a crucial aspect of responding to these data breaches, and it plays a significant role in both remediation and prevention strategies. It's a specialized area within cybersecurity and is fundamental for handling incidents effectively and mitigating the risk of future vulnerabilities.