Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What is the main goal of computer forensics?

1. To create and destroy digital evidence

2. To perform unstructured investigations

3. To gather and preserve evidence suitable for presentation in court

4. To develop software for malware detection

The correct answer is: To gather and preserve evidence suitable for presentation in court

The primary goal of computer forensics is to gather and preserve evidence in a manner that is suitable for presentation in a court of law. This process involves meticulously analyzing digital information and ensuring that any evidence collected is handled according to established legal standards. This is crucial because, in legal contexts, the integrity and authenticity of the evidence need to be maintained to support investigations or prosecutions effectively. Computer forensics professionals apply a structured methodology to ensure that the evidence they collect can withstand scrutiny in court. They document their processes rigorously and often must demonstrate the chain of custody of the evidence to validate its validity. The other options, while related to various aspects of cybersecurity, do not align with the core objective of computer forensics. The creation and destruction of digital evidence contradicts ethical and legal standards expected in forensic practices. Unstructured investigations lack the systematic approach necessary for gathering admissible evidence. Developing software for malware detection falls within the broader cybersecurity field but does not address the primary function of forensic investigations, which is focused on legal evidence collection and preservation.