Which type of forensic analysis focuses on the examination of computer data?

The correct answer is digital forensics, which is a branch of forensic science that specifically involves the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and other electronic systems. This field encompasses a variety of techniques and methodologies aimed at preserving, identifying, analyzing, and presenting data in a way that is legally admissible in court.

Digital forensics plays a crucial role in investigating cybercrime, electronic fraud, data breaches, and other crimes that involve digital evidence. Investigators use specialized tools and software to retrieve files, recover deleted data, and analyze computer systems to understand the activities that took place. The emphasis on preserving the integrity of data and following legal protocols is essential in this field because improperly handled evidence can be deemed inadmissible in legal proceedings.

In contrast, other forms of forensic analysis focus on different types of evidence. Forensic biology studies biological specimens, forensic entomology examines insect evidence to determine time of death, and forensic accounting investigates financial documents and transactions for fraud or financial discrepancies. Each of these fields has its own specific focus and methodologies, distinct from the digital analysis performed in digital forensics.