What function does a log report serve in forensic tools?

A log report serves as an essential record of an investigator's actions during a forensic examination. This documentation is crucial for maintaining the integrity and transparency of the investigative process. By accurately capturing each step taken, including the tools used, the data analyzed, and any observations made, the log report provides a clear trail of the investigation. This trail is vital for both accountability and reproducibility, especially in legal contexts where the methods and findings may need to be presented in court. Proper logging allows other investigators to understand the process followed, ensuring that the results can be validated and that best practices are adhered to throughout the investigation.

In contrast, tracking file types, monitoring network intrusion attempts, and listing known good files represent specific functions of digital forensics but do not encapsulate the broader duty of furnishing an accurate account of the investigative actions carried out. These functions may support an investigation but do not provide the comprehensive record-keeping that a log report entails.