What can affect digital evidence during a forensic investigation?

B is the correct answer because environmental factors and improper handling can significantly affect digital evidence during a forensic investigation. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, magnetic fields, and exposure to light can alter or damage physical media where data is stored, leading to loss of evidence or compromised integrity. Additionally, if digital evidence is improperly handled—such as being powered on without precautions, viewed on the wrong device, or transferred using unapproved methods—this can lead to data corruption, the introduction of artifacts, or even permanent loss of data.

Forensic investigators must follow strict protocols to ensure that digital evidence is preserved accurately throughout the collection, storage, and analysis processes. This includes using proper packaging, avoiding unnecessary handling, and maintaining appropriate conditions to ensure that the evidence remains in its original state as much as possible.

The other options, while relevant to the broader context of forensic investigations and legal aspects, do not directly impact the integrity of the digital evidence itself in the same immediate and tangible way as environmental factors and improper handling do.