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Computer forensics, also called digital or cyber forensics, is a field of technology that uses investigative techniques to identify, collect and preserve evidence from electronic devices. Computer forensics professionals often find evidence that law enforcement agencies or businesses and individuals can use to recover lost and damaged data.
Computer forensics involves the identification, preservation, and collection of electronic data that is relevant to a particular case or investigation.
Computer forensics professionals analyze digital data to uncover evidence of wrongdoing, including hidden or deleted files, email messages, and internet browsing history.
Forensic specialists use specialized software and tools to recover data from damaged, corrupted, or deleted digital media.
Computer forensics professionals investigate network activity to determine whether an intrusion has occurred and, if so, to determine the extent of the breach.
Computer forensics specialists identify security breaches by analyzing log files, system events, and other electronic data.
Computer forensics professionals use a variety of techniques, including data analysis and interviewing, to identify individuals who have engaged in illegal or unethical activities.
Computer forensics experts are often called upon to testify in court and to present their findings in a clear and understandable manner.
Computer forensics professionals must adhere to strict legal and ethical standards when conducting investigations, including the proper handling and preservation of evidence.
Overall, computer forensics is an essential tool for law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and businesses to investigate and prevent cybercrime, data breaches, and other digital threats.
Computer forensics always involves gathering and analyzing evidence from digital sources. Some common types include:
Retrieval and analysis of data or metadata found in databases.
Retrieval and analysis of data like messages, photos, videos, audio files, and contacts from mobile devices.
Use of tools to monitor network traffic like intrusion detection systems and firewalls.
Conduct narrow regression tests after bug fixes to verify specific functionalities, reducing the need for extensive re-testing. Ensure recent code changes work correctly before proceeding to more extensive testing phases.
Validate Connected devices' core functionalities through real-world scenarios, ensuring reliable performance. Test device components comprehensively to ensure each functions as intended under diverse conditions.
Retrieval and analysis of messages, contacts, calendars, and other information on an email platform.
Retrieval and analysis of data stored on a computer's RAM (random access memory) and/or cache.
Analysis of code to identify malicious programs like viruses, ransomware, or Trojan horses.
Leverage our test expertise to discover unexpected issues, enhancing the defect detection capabilities. Employ exploratory methods to uncover the usability and functionality issues that automated tests may miss.
Ensure API endpoints deliver accurate responses and handle requests efficiently, maintaining high uptime. Use advanced tools to automate API testing, improving overall test efficiency.
Digital forensic methodology is the systematic approach used by forensic investigators to collect, preserve, analyze, and present digital evidence in a legally admissible manner. The methodology typically consists of several phases:
• This phase involves identifying the scope of the investigation, including the type of incident, the systems or devices involved, and the potential sources of evidence.
• Once the scope is defined, the next step is to preserve the integrity of the digital evidence. This involves creating a forensic image or a bit-by-bit copy of the original data to ensure that the original evidence remains unchanged during the investigation.
• In this phase, the forensic investigator collects the relevant digital evidence using forensically sound methods. This may involve seizing computers, mobile devices, storage media, or network traffic.
• During analysis, the investigator examines the collected evidence to uncover relevant information related to the incident or crime. This may involve using various forensic tools and techniques to recover deleted files, examine system logs, analyze network traffic, etc.
• Throughout the investigation, detailed documentation is essential. This includes documenting the steps taken, the tools and techniques used, and any findings or observations made during the analysis process. Proper documentation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and presenting the evidence in court.
• After the analysis is complete, the forensic investigator prepares a detailed report summarizing their findings. The report should include an overview of the investigation, the methodology used, the evidence collected, the analysis performed, and any conclusions drawn.
• In cases where the digital evidence is presented in court, the forensic investigator may be required to testify as an expert witness. During the presentation, the investigator explains their findings and methodologies to the court, providing expert opinion and analysis to support the case.
Throughout the entire process, adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is paramount. It’s essential for forensic investigators to follow standardized procedures and maintain the chain of custody to ensure the admissibility and integrity of the digital evidence in legal proceedings. Additionally, staying updated with the latest advancements in digital forensic tools and techniques is crucial for effectively conducting investigations in an ever-evolving technological landscape. |
| S.No | Category | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Network Forensics | Xplico |
| 2. | Data Imaging | FTK Imager |
| 3. | Analysis of File system | The Sleuth Kit |
| 4. | Analyzing file access logs. | Autopsy |
