Why is digital evidence considered time-sensitive in investigations?

Digital evidence is considered time-sensitive primarily because data can be lost or altered quickly after an incident. In the context of digital forensics, the event that generates evidence—such as a cybercrime, data breach, or any digital incident—often triggers a series of changes in the digital environment. This can occur due to user actions, automated processes, or system updates that might modify or eliminate relevant data.

Once an incident has been identified, the landscape of digital evidence can shift rapidly. For example, system logs may be overwritten, volatile memory (RAM) may be cleared when a device is powered down, and digital files might be deleted or corrupted. Thus, collecting evidence promptly is critical to preserving its integrity and ensuring that a complete and accurate picture of the incident can be reconstructed. This urgency underscores the importance of a well-coordinated response to safeguard digital evidence before it is permanently altered or lost.