The Challenges of a Computer Forensic Specialist: Tasks and Investigation Processes

A job as a computer forensics expert combines the best of crime fighting and technology. A computer forensics expert is responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence from data storage devices, computers and networks to investigate a computer crime. They will typically work with law enforcement officials to collect evidence for legal cases and serve as expert witnesses. A computer forensics expert may work with the government, legal firms or law enforcement. Individuals who want to succeed in this field must have knowledge of forensics software, cryptography principles, eDiscovery tools and multiple programming languages.

Loss or theft of organization’s devices like Laptops and portable devices which containing the institutional records.

Due to the innovation and use of technology today, private information of an individual is easier to locate than in prior years. The use of technology daily has enabled neighbors, employers, law officials, investigators and any person whom inquires private information of another person. One use of technology

The second aspect we identified is that of public safety, given the nature of our work as investigators. Digital forensic investigations can have a very drastic impact on public safety from a community wide concern to that of the health and well being of a single person. Often times when a mobile device is explained by a forensic investigator, the investigation is related to a criminal matter where a person is either harmed physically harmed or harmed in the less

Electronic evidence is very fragile because it can be destroyed or altered very easily, therefore it is imperative that investigators follow very careful all the procedural steps when collecting electronic evidence (Diversified Forensics). Before any electronic evidence is gathered investigators should determine whether there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, or if the crime was committed somewhere else the investigator should determine whether the electronic evidence will aid the investigation process to prove or disapprove the crime, if a warrant is needed it must be obtained prior to collecting the evidence (Diversified Forensics). Hard drives, computers, and other electronic devices must be turned off, unplug all cables,

For this reason, it is imperative that the information gathered is reliable and accurate to ensure the evidence collected can be utilized by the digital forensic investigator for the current case (Ingalls & Rodriguez, 2011). Additionally, cyber incidents require digital forensic investigators to interview various individuals regarding the information needed for the case. According to the National Institute of Justice (2004), interviewing the system administrator, users, and employees of an organization regarding a cyber incident would provide investigators with valuable information; for example, user accounts, email accounts, network configuration, logs, and passwords. Furthermore, for digital forensic investigators to conduct an effective interview, they must have the proper tools and training to employ the interview process. For instance, formal procedures or instructions should be developed and implemented to ensure that the investigator follows a standard during all investigations. Additionally, training should be provided to ensure that digital forensic investigators comprehend by what means to prepare, conduct, and evaluate an interview. Furthermore, resources should be made available for digital forensic investigators to accomplish their tasks; for example, recording devices and references. Also, definitions should be provided to the digital forensic investigators for

Providing training, examination services and research into cutting edge processes to extract potential evidence from mobile devices to include cellular phones, skimming devices and GPS units

When was the last time she accessed her computer? What is her background in computers, what is her skill level? I need some background on the former employee, her computer habits and activities prior to the files being found on her computer. I must collect digital evidence while keeping the data unaltered, first thing. This data will be used later in the prosecution of the case. This can be done through calculating and recording an evidence file. Next is imaging of the computer media with a write-blocking tool. I must keep the chain of custody. The computer's RAM is examined for evidence. During the examination step, verify and catalog the presence and integrity of the original evidence and any copies. An analysis is made with specialized equipment to find out exactly what's stored on the digital media. This includes a manual review of all materials found on the media, a review of the Windows registry, techniques to crack passwords and retrieve protected data, keyword searches and extraction of email and pictures for further review.

Digital crime has been on the increase due to the increasing use of computer and internet. This has led the investigators with another method of fighting this crime. This is Computer Forensics, a process of going into computer hard drive and capturing basic information the user believed it has been erased.

Just as other forms of evidence, digital evidence must be assured not to get wet, stepped on, driven over, and frozen and so on. Magnetic media of all sorts can be fragile and if not handled with care can be wiped out. this is why officers should take special care to handle the evidence and package it accordingly as not doing so would cost them a case. Third issue that can also affect digital data if not done properly is the turning off or powering down a device. Computers store information on the RAM system which can be erased if not closed properly. As well the computer may have applications, documents, images, or any other data may have been left opened by the user can be erased if the computer is turned off. It is best that the investigator not to commit any action when dealing with an computer such as clicking the mouse, clicking on any files, using the keyboard, or apply any software to the suspects computer

Computers are common tools used by the culprits behind white-collar crimes. In order to find “culprits,” the forensic accountant will need to be able to dig deep into the company’s computer system. However, without the proper equipment, that process can prove to be very difficult. To facilitate the preservation, collection, analysis, and documentation of evidence, forensic accountants can use specialized software and computer hardware.

The OS provides digital forensic investigators with the primary application where the files, folders, and logs of every event that has occurred involving the suspect’s information system can be located. Furthermore, this information can be utilized by the investigator’s to understand how incidents like network intrusion, malware installation, and insider file deletions have occurred. As a result, OS’s is the location where relevant information on incidents or unlawful activities can be discovered with the proper collection and examination

The first thing to do when to a computer investigation is to know the correct steps to make sure that the investigation is done correctly. The steps of preparing for a computer investigation are as follows; identifying the nature of the case, identifying the type of OS or digital device, determining whether you can seize the computers or digital devices, getting a detailed description of the location, determining who is in charge, using additional technical expertise, and determining what tools you need. These steps are the foundation of the investigation. If there is no strong foundation in the beginning of the

In a world where technology is increasingly becoming the way of life, it was only a matter of time before crime was no longer just in the streets but happening online as well. Criminals now get a new approach to carry out their crimes with the use of computers. Since technology is more like a murder mystery than catching the bad guy in the act, a new discipline of forensics needed to be put into place. This is known as computer forensics. Forensic science is any science used for the purpose of law. In the case of computer forensics it is “the discipline that combines elements of law and computer science to collect and analyze data from computer systems, networks, wireless communications, and storage devices in a way that is admissible as evidence in a court of law” (U.S. Cert, 2008). Meaning if you do something illegal on the Internet it can be found.

In simple terms, computer or digital forensic evidence analysis is the scientific collection of data that is either retrieved or held by a computer storage device that can be used against a criminal in a court of law. For the information to be used in court it should be collected before it is presentation; therefore, there are a number of recommendations proposed to make sure that information collected meets the intended integrity.