Digital forensics, also known as digital forensic science, is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices linked to cybercrime. Initially synonymous with computer forensics, the term has since expanded to include the investigation of any device capable of storing digital data. Although the first computer crime was reported in 1978 and followed by the Florida Computer Crimes Act, it wasn't until the 1990s that digital forensics became a recognized term. National policies on digital forensics only began to emerge in the early 21st century. This discipline involves the processes of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and documenting digital evidence for presentation in a court of law when necessary.

Steps of Digital Forensics

To ensure digital evidence is admissible in court, it must be handled meticulously to prevent tampering by cyber criminals. The steps involved are:

1. Identification: Locate the evidence and note its storage location.

2. Preservation: Isolate, secure, and preserve the data to prevent potential tampering.

3. Analysis: Reconstruct fragments of data and draw conclusions based on the evidence.

4. Documentation: Record all data to recreate the crime scene.

5. Presentation: Summarize and conclude the findings.

Business Application of Digital Forensics

In a business context, digital forensics plays a crucial role in the Incident Response process. Forensic investigators identify and document criminal incidents, providing evidence for law enforcement. These processes are often key to proving innocence or guilt in legal proceedings.

Who Is a Digital Forensics Investigator?

Digital Forensics Investigators are professionals who follow evidence to solve crimes virtually. For example, if a security breach results in stolen data, a digital forensic analyst would determine how attackers accessed the network, what they did, and whether they stole information or planted malware. These investigators recover data from various storage devices, including deleted, damaged, or manipulated data.

History and Development of Digital Forensics

The history of digital forensics reveals that law enforcement initially had a limited understanding of digital forensic techniques. During the 1970s and 1980s, forensic teams were mainly federal law enforcement officers with computer backgrounds. The FBI launched the first official digital forensics program, Magnet Media, in 1984. Numerous techniques to identify cybercriminals and recover digital evidence have since been developed, significantly advancing the field. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan further escalated the need for digital forensic investigations. By 2006, the U.S. had implemented mandatory electronic discovery protocols in its civil procedures.

Digital Footprints in Investigations

Digital footprints, which include information like visited webpages, activity times, and devices used, are essential for solving crime cases. By following these footprints, investigators can retrieve crucial data. Several cases, such as those of Matt Baker in 2010 and Krenar Lusha in 2009, have been solved with the aid of digital forensics.

Role of Cyber Forensic Investigators

Cyber forensic investigators specialize in decrypting data using various software and tools. Their tasks include recovering deleted files, cracking passwords, and identifying the source of security breaches. Once evidence is collected, it is stored and translated to be presentable in court or for police examination. The role of cyber forensics in criminal offences is well demonstrated in numerous case studies, including cold cases.