What are system logs used for in digital forensics?

System logs are crucial in digital forensics as they provide a detailed record of events and transactions occurring on a system. These logs capture a wide array of information, from user activities, software installations, and system errors to security incidents. For forensic investigators, this recorded information is invaluable for building a timeline of events and understanding the context of incidents, which can aid in identifying the actions taken by users or malicious entities during a breach or other security events.

The data contained in system logs can reveal when specific actions were taken, which users were involved, and any anomalies that might indicate unauthorized access or system compromises. Therefore, the use of system logs is fundamental to reconstructing events leading up to a cybersecurity incident, making them a key resource in any forensic investigation.

The other options, such as storing user passwords, improving system performance, or monitoring software updates, do not capture the primary function of system logs in the context of digital forensics. Instead, these functionalities pertain to other aspects of system management and security that are not directly related to the investigative capabilities of logs.