During a high-stakes corporate espionage case, an investigator seeks digital evidence to reveal unauthorized data access and leakage. The investigator possesses the skills to recover deleted files, decrypt encrypted files, and inspect hidden files. Given the availability of multiple potential evidence sources, which category of files is most likely to yield the most valuable information in this scenario?
Yes, according to the CHFI v10 textbook, User-Created Files are indeed the most likely to yield the most valuable information in a case involving unauthorized data access and leakage. The textbook emphasizes that user-created files often contain critical content directly related to the activities and intentions of individuals involved in such incidents, making them a primary source of evidence for investigating corporate espionage and data breaches. The other categories mentioned (computer-created files, user-protected files, and files on peripheral devices) are also important but are generally considered secondary in terms of immediate relevance for uncovering direct evidence of unauthorized data activities.
A. User-Created Files: User-created files, such as documents, spreadsheets, emails, and other personalized data, are the most likely to contain evidence of unauthorized data access and leakage. These files often hold sensitive or business-critical information targeted in corporate espionage cases.