The main steps that computer forensics requires are to acquire the data without altering, authenticate the recovered data, and analyze the data. Computer forensics is the process of collecting, preserving, and examining digital evidence from computers or other electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or cameras. Computer forensics follows a standard methodology that consists of the following steps:
* Acquire the data without altering: This step involves creating a bit-by-bit copy or image of the original data source, such as a hard disk, a memory card, or a network packet, without modifying or damaging the original data. This ensures the integrity and the admissibility of the digital evidence in a court of law.
* Authenticate the recovered data: This step involves verifying that the copied or imaged data is identical to the original data, and that it has not been tampered with or corrupted during the acquisition process.
This can be done by using cryptographic hash functions, such as MD5 or SHA-1, that generate a unique and fixed-length value for the data, and comparing the hash values of the original and the copied data.
* Analyze the data: This step involves examining the data for any relevant information or clues that can help to answer the questions or solve the problems related to the investigation. This can involve various techniques, such as keyword searching, file carving, timeline analysis, or malware analysis, depending on the type and the purpose of the data.
The other options are not the main steps that computer forensics requires. Announce the incident to responsible sections, take action to contain the damage, and assimilate the data for correlation are steps that are more related to incident response or security operations, not computer forensics. Access the data before destruction is not a step that computer forensics requires, as it implies that the data is already compromised or lost, which may prevent the acquisition or the authentication of the data. References: CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition, Chapter 8: Security Operations, page 1070. Official (ISC)2 CISSP CBK Reference, Fifth Edition, Chapter 7: Security Operations, page 1071.