Which of the following is a major challenge faced in digital forensic investigations?

In digital forensic investigations, one of the major challenges is accessing encrypted data. As encryption technologies become more advanced, they provide significant protection for sensitive information stored on devices. This makes it increasingly difficult for investigators to retrieve and analyze relevant data during their examinations. When data is encrypted, it requires specific keys or passwords for decryption, which may not be available to investigators. This challenge is compounded when data is held on devices or cloud services that have robust encryption protocols, making it nearly impossible to obtain actionable intelligence without the necessary access.

Additionally, the challenge of dealing with encrypted data can lead to delays in investigations and may limit the evidence that can be gathered, potentially affecting the overall outcome of a case. Investigators must have not only the right tools but also legal authority to attempt to bypass encryption, which complicates the investigative process further. This situation highlights the critical importance of understanding encryption methods and the implications they have for digital forensic investigations.