What security practice is described by NIST as the application of science to the identification, collection, examination, and analysis of data while…

The provided description is the formal definition of digital forensics according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Digital forensics is a discipline that uses scientifically derived and proven methods for the preservation, collection, validation, identification, analysis, interpretation, documentation, and presentation of digital evidence. The core principles of maintaining data integrity through hashing and meticulously documenting the handling of evidence via a chain of custody are fundamental to this practice, ensuring that the findings are legally admissible and forensically sound.

B. Vulnerability Assessments: This is the process of identifying and quantifying security weaknesses in a system, not the scientific analysis of data as evidence.

C. Penetration Tests: This is a simulated cyberattack against a system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities; it is an offensive testing method, not an investigative one.

D. Incident Response: This is a broader, structured methodology for handling security breaches, of which digital forensics is a critical component, but not the entire process.

1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2006). Special Publication 800-86

Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response. Section 2.1

"Digital Forensics

" Page 2-1. The document states

"Digital forensics is the application of science to the identification

collection

examination

and analysis of data while preserving the integrity of the information and maintaining a strict chain of custody for the data."

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Software Engineering Institute. (2008). Best Practices for Seizing Electronic Evidence

A Pocket Guide for First Responders (Version 2.1). Page 1. This guide

developed for law enforcement

defines digital forensics in alignment with the NIST principles

emphasizing the scientific process for handling digital evidence.

3. Nelson

B.

Phillips

A.

& Steuart

C. (2015). Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations (5th ed.). Cengage Learning. (This is a widely used textbook in university curricula). Chapter 1

"Understanding the Digital Forensics Profession and Investigations

" introduces digital forensics using definitions that align directly with the NIST framework

highlighting the application of science and law to digital evidence.