What set of techniques do attackers use to hinder forensic investigations?

Attackers use anti-forensics techniques specifically designed to hinder forensic investigations by making it difficult for investigators to analyze data and recover evidence. These methods aim to disrupt the typical processes applied in forensic examinations, including evidence collection, preservation, and analysis.

Anti-forensics can include a range of tactics such as altering timestamps, deleting logs, using encryption, and employing obfuscation methods to conceal data. By complicating or obscuring the evidence trail, attackers can effectively evade detection and reduce the chances of a successful forensic analysis, ultimately protecting their malicious activities from scrutiny.

While techniques like data encryption and data masking can also obstruct access to information, they do not necessarily qualify as anti-forensics unless they are specifically employed with the intent to hinder forensic investigation processes. Network segmentation, while useful for security and organizational purposes, does not directly aim to sabotage forensic efforts. Therefore, the term "anti-forensics" encompasses the intentional acts utilized by attackers to thwart investigations, making it the most fitting answer to the question.