As we covered in the last chapter, data can be stored on both fixed and removable storage media. Data, however, can easily be deleted or completely lost depending on a multitude of factors that must be considered if we are to ensure the preservation of data. It might even be argued that there are more threats to digital storage than paper-based. The following are some comparisons of threats to both:

• Threats to paper-based storage include:
  • Water
  • Fire and humidity
  • Bugs
  • Age
  • Natural disasters—floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and so on
• Threats to data on storage media include:
  • Human-error and negligence
  • Magnetism and electromagnetic fields
  • Water and condensation
  • Heat
  • Dust
  • Impact
  • Voltage
  • Static electricity
  • Natural disasters—floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and so on

When exactly does data become evidence? Specific data may have a value that is relative to an investigation when considering the events that transpired.