Alex, a forensic investigator, has been assigned to investigate a damaged Android device that may...

Option C. Perform JTAG forensics is the best answer because the scenario clearly states that the Android device is physically damaged , not booting , and not responding to normal recovery procedures . CHFI v11 covers mobile device forensics , Android acquisition methods , and the challenges investigators face when devices are damaged, locked, or otherwise inaccessible. In such cases, the examiner must choose a method that can retrieve data without relying on the normal operating state of the device .

JTAG forensics is specifically suited to situations where a device cannot boot normally but investigators still need to access data directly from memory through hardware-level techniques. This makes it the most appropriate first operation when conventional logical access is not possible.

The other options are weaker. Using the dd command generally requires the device to be sufficiently operational and accessible. Rooting the device can alter evidence and may not even be possible on a damaged device. Simply connecting by USB is also inadequate if the phone does not boot or respond. Therefore, under CHFI mobile forensic principles, JTAG forensics is the correct initial step for a damaged Android evidence device.