Computer Forensics

Computer forensics (also known as computer forensic science) is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to evidence found in computers and digital storage media. The goal of computer forensics is to examine digital media in a forensically sound manner with the aim of identifying, preserving, recovering, analyzing, and presenting facts and opinions about the digital information.

It sounds like you're interested in computer forensics! Computer forensics involves the process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in a way that is legally acceptable.

1. Evidence Collection

The first step is to collect evidence without altering it. This could include data from hard drives, mobile devices, cloud storage, or network logs. Tools are often used to create "forensic images" to preserve the integrity of the original data.

2. Preservation of Data

Forensics experts make sure that the data is not tampered with during the investigation. This often involves creating hash values (digital fingerprints) of the data to ensure its integrity remains intact during the investigation process.

3. Data Analysis

After the data is preserved, forensic experts analyze it to uncover relevant information. This could involve:

File recovery: Restoring deleted files.
Log analysis: Examining system and application logs to track user actions.
Email analysis: Reviewing communications to identify potential wrongdoing.
Network traffic analysis: Investigating network activity to trace cyberattacks or data breaches.

4. Legal Considerations

All activities in computer forensics need to comply with legal standards. Investigators must ensure that all evidence is handled according to law, making it admissible in court if necessary.

5. Reporting

Forensics specialists document their findings in a clear and organized manner. Reports are used in both legal proceedings and organizational decisions.

Mobile Digital Forensics Process

1.Data Acquisition:

The process of extracting information from mobile devices.
Methods include manual extraction, logical extraction, physical extraction, and file system extraction.
Techniques vary depending on the device's operating system, encryption, and data security settings.

2.Data Analysis:

Involves interpreting and examining the extracted data to identify evidence relevant to the investigation.
Data types include messages, call logs, emails, photos, location data, app data, and more.
The use of specialized tools (e.g., Cellebrite, XRY, Oxygen Forensic Suite) to automate and aid analysis.

3.Data Preservation:

Ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the data during acquisition and analysis.
Proper documentation and the use of write blockers to avoid altering the device’s contents.

4.Data Recovery:

Recovering deleted or hidden data using techniques like carving, file reconstruction, and memory analysis.
Requires expertise in mobile file systems and data structures.

5.Reporting and Presentation:

Documenting the findings in a clear, understandable format for legal purposes.
Creating reports that include timelines, app usage, and user behavior analysis.