Digital Forensics and Cybercrime

Importance of Continuous Learning in Digital Forensics

• Continuous learning is crucial in digital forensics to combat evolving cyber threats and criminal activities effectively.
• Staying informed about new technologies, methodologies, and trends in cybercrime enhances investigative capabilities and contributes to a safer digital environment.

Chain of Custody Process

• The chain of custody process involves a series of steps: data collection, examination, analysis, reporting, and presentation in court.
• Data collection involves identification, labeling, recording, and acquisition from pertinent sources.
• The chain of custody process ensures the evidence remains untainted throughout the entire journey, guaranteeing the quality and reliability of evidence in legal proceedings.

Importance of Chain of Custody

• Adhering to the chain of custody ensures the credibility of evidence and enhances transparency and accountability in the legal process.
• The systematic approach fosters trust in the judicial system and contributes to the fair and just resolution of cases.

Digital Forensics Life Cycle

• Involves meticulous and comprehensive phases in investigating and analyzing digital evidence
• Each phase ensures the integrity and reliability of the evidence

Preparation and Identification

• Initial phases in digital forensics
• Identify relevant evidence, examine sequence of events, and handle data with utmost care
• Essential to establish a strong foundation for the investigation

Storage Guidelines

• Use write-blocking tools to prevent data alteration
• Maintain a detailed chain of custody
• Document all actions taken during evidence handling
• Utilize tested tools for accuracy and reliability

Mobile Forensics

• A subtype of digital forensics that focuses on retrieving data from electronic sources like smartphones and tablets
• Mobile devices accumulate vast amounts of data daily, making them valuable sources for investigations

Key Aspects of Mobile Forensics

• Identify call history, phonebook or contact lists, SMS text messages, and other data
• Recover digital evidence from a mobile device while preserving its integrity
• Key data includes photos, videos, audio files, internet browsing history, and more

Mobile Forensics Process

• Key steps include identification, collection, analysis, and reporting
• Aims to recover digital evidence from a mobile device while preserving its integrity

Real-World Application

• Mobile forensics played a crucial role in solving the 201 attempted bombing case in Times Square, New York
• Used call logs and GPS data from mobile devices to solve the case