Which of the following should be done FIRST to protect evidence on a computer suspected to be involved in online fraud?
Which of the following should be done FIRST to protect evidence on a computer suspected to be involved in online fraud?
The first step in protecting evidence on a computer suspected of being involved in online fraud is to make a copy of the affected system. This process, known as imaging, preserves the current state of the system, including all files, logs, and system settings, ensuring that evidence is not lost or altered during the investigation. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and admissibility of the evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings. Unplugging the computer from its power source or ejecting removable media could result in the loss of volatile data and should be done only after a forensic copy has been made. Using the computer to trace the source of the crime without first securing the evidence might alter or destroy critical data.
Unplugging the computer from its power source could potentially disrupt ongoing fraudulent activities or tamper with volatile evidence stored in system memory. While it may be necessary to disconnect the computer from the network to prevent further fraudulent activities, creating a forensic copy of the system should be prioritized to preserve the evidence. Therefore, option D, making a copy of the affected system, should be done FIRST to protect evidence on a computer suspected to be involved in online fraud.