ACI Professional Ethics & Standards 2

Question 1

An investigator discovers evidence during a civil case that suggests the subject committed an unrelated federal crime. What is the most ethically appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Report findings to supervising counsel and let legal determine next steps

Answer

Investigators should report out-of-scope findings to supervising counsel rather than acting unilaterally, as legal obligations vary by jurisdiction and context.

Question 2

Which principle requires a digital forensic investigator to present findings that are unfavorable to the retaining party if they are factually accurate?

Accepted Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Impartiality requires investigators to report all accurate findings regardless of which party retained them.

Question 3

A forensic examiner is asked by their employer to alter timestamps in a report to make evidence appear more recent. The correct ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and document the request

Answer

Falsifying evidence is illegal and unethical; the examiner must refuse and document the request to protect themselves.

Question 4

Which document formally establishes the boundaries and permissions granted to a digital investigator before an examination begins?

Accepted Answer

Authorization to examine (scope agreement or search warrant)

Answer

A scope agreement, search warrant, or equivalent authorization defines exactly what the investigator is permitted to access and examine.

Question 5

An investigator finds child exploitation material while conducting a corporate fraud examination. What is the mandatory ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report it immediately to law enforcement per mandatory reporting laws

Answer

Child exploitation material triggers mandatory reporting laws (e.g., NCMEC CyberTipline requirement) that override all other investigative priorities.

(ACI) AccessData Certified Investigator Practice Test

(ACI) AccessData Certified Investigator Practice Test

ACI Professional Ethics & Standards 2