Reflecting on the Role of a Forensic Accountant in Investigating Terrorism

How should a forensic accountant respond when tasked with investigating a computer used by a suspected terrorist?

a. Immediately seal off the area and call the police
b. None of the above

Final answer:

A forensic accountant who encounters a computer possibly associated with a terrorist should first seal off the area and then call the police. The forensic accountant's expertise is in financial investigations, not in handling potential digital evidence, which trained law enforcement or cybercrime units are better equipped to do.

Explanation:

In this scenario, a forensic accountant is involved in a situation where a computer holding potential evidence linked to a terrorist is discovered. The appropriate action for a forensic accountant to take here would be option B: to immediately seal off the area and call the police. This is because a forensic accountant specializes in financial investigations and may not have the required technical training to interfere with the computer without potentially damaging evidence. It is essential to preserve the integrity of potential digital evidence, and police or specialized cybercrime units are better equipped to handle this task. However, the forensic accountant can aid law enforcement by providing expert knowledge on financial matters linked to the case once the digital evidence has been properly secured and analyzed.