Computer Forensics Guide

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Computer Forensics Guide

Understanding the basics of a discipline that combines elements of law and computer science to analyze computer systems can be easy by referencing this guide.

Computer Forensics Guide

In what cases are computer forensics useful?

The better question is where is when is computer forensics not useful as a tool? Initially computer forensics involved just computers, network devices, or storage devices. Over time, phones became more complex and replaced PDA’s then tablets and iPads came along. All of these store information that can be analyzed to understand a person’s actions, motives, and can provide key evidence in any case.

Some common cases our computer forensics service helps with:

    • Criminal Cases
    • Civil Cases
    • Intellectual Property Theft
    • Data Breach
    • Internet Stalking
    • Infidelity Cases
    • Fraud
    • Spyware & Malware
    • Identity Theft
    • Theft of Trade Secrets

What essential information will each computer forensics report contain?

After a computer forensic experts identifies, collects, preserves, and analyzes all digital devices you will be provided with a report. This report will explain the essentials which are the following:

  • Who – Who was the signed in user when the action occurred ( placing a user behind the keyboard at a specific time is another part of the science of Computer Forensics)
  • What – What evidence was specifically found and how it relates to the case. It will also provide an accurate description of the item and condition at the time.
  • When – When did the evidence or potential evidence appear on the device (timestamps if available – possibly from file system or logs.
  • Where – Where is the evidence located (another examiner for opposing council may check our work, in which case the location of the where the evidence was found is crucial). In addition if the evidence needs to be displayed or is questioned, the examiner will need to retrieve it quickly.
  • Why – Is there any indications on the device as to why the person may have committed the offense/ crime?
  • How – How did they commit the offense? Did they use file sharing programs? Email? Cloud Storage? External Storage?

What NOT TO DO if requiring computer forensics

  • Attempt Computer Forensics Yourself – Everyone has that friend that knows “computers” but the reality is you will do more damage than good and can destroy evidence.
  • Leave Device Attached to Network or Accessible – If a person of interest has access to they device they can destroy or overwrite evidence. Likeway if the device is attached to a network it can be accessed remotely and evidence can also be destroyed.
  • Obtain Device Illegally – Illegally obtained devices can be inadmissible and leave you open to criminal investigation.

What TO DO in computer forensics.

    • Gather All Devices Involved
    • Keep Device(s) in a Safe Place
    • Bring All Accessories With You
    • Keep Element Of Surprise
    • Make Detailed Notes On Devices
    • Isolate from Network
    • Keep Devices Powered Off
    • Contact Us Right Away
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