Which of the following is a primary goal of digital forensics?

The primary goal of digital forensics is to identify, preserve, analyze, and present digital evidence. This process is crucial for investigating incidents involving digital devices where the integrity of data and evidence must be maintained throughout the forensic examination. The identification step involves locating relevant digital evidence, while preservation ensures that this evidence is not altered during collection or analysis.

The analysis phase allows forensic experts to interpret the preserved data, using various techniques and software tools to extract meaningful information. Finally, the presentation of findings in a clear and understandable manner is essential, especially if the evidence is to be used in a legal context or during an investigation.

This goal encapsulates the essence of the field, focusing on the lifecycle of digital evidence rather than software development, hardware innovation, or policy improvements, which, although important, are secondary to the core purpose of digital forensics.