What must be considered when evaluating evidence in electronic form?

When evaluating evidence in electronic form, timing is a critical consideration because it relates to the relevance and reliability of the data being examined. In the context of audits, the timing of when electronic evidence was created or modified can significantly impact its applicability to the financial statements and the audit objectives. This aspect addresses whether the data corresponds to the period being audited and whether any changes could affect the decision-making process.

Timing also helps in ensuring that the evidence is not only collected but also that it reflects the conditions and transactions accurately during the audit period. If the data is outdated or collected at a non-relevant time, it may not provide a complete or accurate representation of the circumstances of the organization during the audit window.

Other important aspects such as sufficiency and relevance, cost of recovery, and document integrity are also relevant for evaluating electronic evidence, but they do not hold the same central importance as timing. While sufficiency and relevance pertain to how much evidence is needed and its direct applicability to the audit objectives, and document integrity addresses the authenticity and reliability of the data, timing fundamentally shapes the context within which all other aspects are assessed.