Which phase of the computer forensics investigation process involves acquisition and preservation of data?

The phase of the computer forensics investigation process that involves acquisition and preservation of data is the investigation phase. This stage is critical because it is during this phase that forensic investigators collect, analyze, and secure evidence from the relevant systems, ensuring that the data is not altered, lost, or destroyed. Proper techniques and tools are employed to create forensic images of hard drives and memory, preserving the integrity of the data for later analysis in a manner that maintains chain of custody.

In the context of forensics, the investigation phase is where the groundwork is laid for all subsequent analysis and legal proceedings. If the data is not correctly acquired and preserved at this stage, it may render the evidence inadmissible or unreliable in a court of law.