ACI Professional Ethics & Standards 5

Question 1

A digital investigator is presented with a forensic image whose hash value does not match the original evidence hash. This is most significant because:

Accepted Answer

It indicates the forensic image may have been altered, threatening evidentiary integrity

Answer

Hash values frequently change due to time zone differences

Answer

Minor hash mismatches are acceptable industry practice

Answer

It only matters if the defense raises the issue at trial

Question 2

Which action best demonstrates professional ethical conduct when an investigator is uncertain about the legal authority to seize a particular device?

Accepted Answer

Leave the device and consult with legal counsel before proceeding

Answer

Seize the device and seek authorization later

Answer

Photograph the device as a compromise

Answer

Ask a colleague to make the decision

Question 3

An investigator is deposed and asked about weaknesses in their methodology. Ethically, the investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Answer honestly and explain the limitations of the methodology used

Answer

Avoid acknowledging weaknesses to appear credible

Answer

Redirect to the strengths of the analysis

Answer

Decline to answer without a court order

Question 4

The principle of 'non-repudiation' in digital forensics ethics primarily ensures that:

Accepted Answer

An investigator's actions and findings are attributable and verifiable to them

Answer

Evidence cannot be altered after collection

Answer

Clients cannot dispute the investigator's invoice

Answer

Witnesses cannot retract sworn testimony

Question 5

A court orders an investigator to turn over their working notes and examination logs. The investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Comply with the court order and provide all requested materials

Answer

Provide only the final report since working notes are informal

Answer

Redact all notes before submission

Answer

Destroy notes since they are preliminary and not official records

Question 6

When an investigator accepts a contingency fee arrangement (payment only if the client wins), this most directly violates which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Impartiality and independence

Answer

Duty of competence

Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Documentation standards

Question 7

Under professional ethics standards, an investigator who learns of a colleague's serious misconduct in handling evidence is obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Report it through appropriate professional or legal channels

Answer

Ignore it since it is not their case

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and take no further action

Answer

Wait to see if the misconduct is discovered independently