In digital forensics, what does "data recovery" refer to?

In digital forensics, "data recovery" specifically refers to the retrieval of inaccessible or deleted data from digital devices. This process is critical when dealing with devices that have suffered from hardware failures, accidental deletions, or intentional erase commands. Data recovery techniques can involve various methods such as utilizing software tools designed to scan storage media for remnants of lost files, employing physical extraction techniques for damaged hardware, or analyzing file systems to reconstruct lost data structures.

The significance of data recovery in forensic investigations cannot be overstated, as it may uncover vital evidence that is essential for legal cases or security incidents. This evidence can lead to understanding past events, establishing timelines, or identifying malicious actions.

The other options, while related to aspects of digital security and forensics, don't accurately describe the specific concept of data recovery. They discuss securing devices, preventing data theft, and analyzing data integrity, which are all important in the broader context of cybersecurity and digital forensics but do not encapsulate the focused task of retrieving lost data.