A computer forensic examination can be applied to which of the following:

The correct answer emphasizes the critical phases of a computer forensic examination: identifying, recovering, reconstructing, and analyzing data.

Identifying involves recognizing potential sources of evidence and relevant data that can aid in the investigation. Recovery refers to the process of extracting that data, which may be hidden, deleted, or damaged. Reconstructing is the act of piecing together fragmented data to restore it to a usable state for analysis. Finally, analyzing involves interpreting the recovered data to draw meaningful conclusions relevant to the case being investigated.

This sequence is essential in digital forensics as it ensures that the evidence is handled properly and integrity is maintained throughout the process. The focus on recovery rather than destruction or disconnecting aligns with the core principles of digital forensics, which prioritize evidence preservation and integrity. The other options include terms that do not align with forensic practices or compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the examination process. For example, destruction of evidence is counterproductive and inappropriate in a forensic context, as it undermines the entire investigation's validity.