During which phase does an incident handler perform risk assessment in computer forensics?

The phase in which an incident handler performs risk assessment is indeed focused on identifying and evaluating potential threats to data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. This involves analyzing the potential impact of the incident on the organization and determining the necessary steps to mitigate these risks.

Risk assessment is vital in computer forensics as it guides the incident handler in prioritizing actions based on the severity of the threat and the vulnerabilities present. By understanding the risk landscape, the incident handler can make informed decisions about resource allocation, response strategies, and the overall handling of the incident.

In contrast, the other phases involve different activities that do not primarily focus on assessing risks. The search and seizure phase pertains to the collection of physical evidence and ensuring that it is done legally and effectively. The data acquisition phase is about obtaining and preserving digital evidence in a manner that maintains its integrity, while evidence assessment involves evaluating the collected data to understand its relevance and context within the incident.