What should investigators ensure about equipment linked to the system under investigation?

Investigation integrity and the protection of sensitive information are paramount, particularly in contexts involving withheld data or ongoing inquiries. Ensuring that employees do not have access to equipment linked to the system under investigation is essential for maintaining the chain of custody and preventing any unintentional alteration, deletion, or tampering with evidence.

When employees have access, there is a risk of access to sensitive or critical data that could compromise the investigation. It significantly increases the potential for contamination of evidence, whether through accidental changes or intentional interference. This principle is a fundamental aspect of investigative protocols, as it helps ensure that the investigation can proceed without outside influence or disruption.

In contrast, having employees access the equipment, keeping it connected when not warranted, or failing to update it could all lead to data integrity issues, which can jeopardize the investigation's outcomes and findings. Therefore, restricting employee access is a critical step in protecting the integrity of the evidence and the investigation as a whole.