What should you do if you receive a bomb threat through an email?

Preserving the email without making any changes is the appropriate action to take when receiving a bomb threat through an email. This is crucial for several reasons. First, the original content of the email may contain important information that can assist authorities in identifying the sender or understanding the context of the threat. Forensic analysis often relies on the specifics of the email, such as timestamps, metadata, and any embedded information that could be lost if the email is altered or deleted.

Additionally, preserving the email ensures that law enforcement can examine the threat in its original form, which may include unique identifiers or clues that are otherwise tampered with or damaged when changes are made. The evidence may also play a significant role in investigations and legal proceedings that follow the threat.

Other choices do not prioritize the preservation of critical evidence. Deleting the email could impede the investigation, while printing the email does not preserve the original digital format from which much of the valuable information can be retrieved. Responding to the sender could alert them to the fact that their email was received, potentially compromising the investigation and putting individuals at greater risk.