During a digital forensics investigation, an investigator is tasked with collecting data from servers and...

Under the CHFI v11 objectives related to theeDiscovery process, investigators must understand and correctly apply variouseDiscovery collection methodologiesbased on where data resides and how it is accessed. In this scenario, the investigator is collecting evidence frominternal servers and shared drivesthat are part of the organization’s on-premises infrastructure. These repositories typically store centralized data such as user files, audit logs, access records, and application artifacts.

This approach directly aligns withnetwork collection, an eDiscovery methodology in which data is acquired remotely over the organizational network fromfile servers, database servers, shared storage, and internal repositories. Network collection is commonly used in enterprise investigations because it allows investigators to gather large volumes of data efficiently without physically seizing individual endpoint devices.

Cloud-based collection (Option B) applies only when data is hosted on third-party cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Email collection (Option C) is limited to mail servers and messaging systems, while mobile device collection (Option D) focuses on smartphones and tablets. None of these accurately describe the centralized, internal infrastructure outlined in the scenario.

The CHFI v11 Exam Blueprint emphasizeseDiscovery collection methodologiesas part of forensic readiness and investigation workflows, highlighting network collection as the appropriate technique for acquiring evidence from organizational servers and shared drives while maintaining integrity and chain of custody