What security measure is essential in a computer forensics lab to protect evidence and limit access?

• A. Restricted Access
• B. Open Access
• C. No Logs
• D. Public Computers

Answer: (A)

Controlling who can enter and handle evidence is crucial for preserving the integrity and admissibility of digital forensics work. Restricted access ensures that only authorized, trained personnel interact with devices, media, and cases, which minimizes the chance of tampering, theft, or accidental alteration. It also supports the chain of custody by providing a verifiable record of every person who accessed the evidence, often through controlled entry and logging. Without restricted access, anyone could handle evidence, increasing risk of contamination or manipulation; lacking logs makes it impossible to prove who did what and when; and using public computers introduces malware and other security risks that can compromise the data.