Forensic Computer Investigations

In the midst of a forensic computer investigation, experts seek to gather evidence in order to determine whether a computer system has been used for any unlawful or unauthorized activities. With computer forensics, the evidence generally resides inside of computers, on storage devices and network servers. The investigation must be conducted in a forensically sound manner that is acceptable to a court of law. What this essentially means is that the gathering of evidence must be done in a manner that cannot be challenged on grounds of tampering or inaccuracy in a court of law.

Much of the data that an investigator collects is in a highly perishable form when working with live systems. As an example, the contents of RAM, which includes passwords, encryption keys and system program settings, can simply disappear if the computer is powered off. An investigator must proceed with valid computer forensics techniques and in a manner that preserves more perishable data, and collect it first.

Typically, the collection order is accessing the network connection in order to reveal the points in which a computer has been connected and gather whatever data was being transferred. Next, a computer examiner will check the RAM, as it can provide details of programs that are currently running or were recently running. After RAM, they will check the system settings in order to identify all users, currently logged in users, system time and date, currently accessed files and current security policies. Finally, hard disks which can contain much of the data needed for an electronic forensics investigation must be imaged in order to have no affect on the original data or impede any investigation using the image.

The computer examiner will then proceed to collect all removable computer storage devices, such as CD/DVDs, music players, USB memory cards, digital camera cards and the like. Additionally, an investigator will collect notes, printouts and other physical evidence lying around the scene. Sometimes notes can contain user identifying password combinations and security related instructions that can make the task of investigating the scene much easier. The user of the system is an even more valuable source; they can reveal encryption methods, passwords and other relevant information that can aid the investigation immeasurably.

Here are a few examples of how digital forensics can assist a forensic computer investigator in specific cases and tasks. In cases of adultery, online chats or text messages are typically used to arrange meetings and provide covert communication to avoid suspicions by a spouse. In cases of fraud, it is often times possible to detect if and when a document was altered.

Forensic computer investigations are conducted in order to help determine whether unauthorized or unlawful activities have taken place using computer systems. The investigator’s job is to collect data that resides in network connections, computer hardware, computer memory, hard disks and other removable storage media. An investigation is done utilizing validated tools and in a way that is acceptable to a court of law. To be a computer expert, you are required to have an expanded awareness of laws, as well as the technical skills to collect and analyze the gathered evidence.

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Using Computer Forensic Evidence To Solve Crimes

There are many criminal and civil court cases that require a computer forensic investigation. This type of investigation makes use of the latest computer forensic science and technology to get proof or evidence for legal purposes. Doing this type of investigation through the use of the latest technology and science is called forensics. Computer forensic evidence gathering is the art and science of applying computer science to retrieve evidence to use in criminal or civil courts of law.

Digital computer forensics investigators make use of advanced tools that go above and beyond the normal collection of data, as they are also able to recover damaged and deleted files. The work of computer forensics experts include various processes that examine the hard drive of a computer system carefully to search for any relevant evidence. They will carefully examine and search for data they suspect is on a computer data storage device. That includes hard drives and portable data devices like microdrives, USB drives and external hard drives. The process also involves reviewing the Windows registry for suspected information, as well as finding and cracking passwords, keyword searches for topics related to the crime the owner is suspected of and extracting e-mail and other images for examination.

The first step in any computer forensic evidence search is obtaining a search warrant to look for and seize the suspected system. The search warrant must include wording allowing the investigators to seize not only the computer and hard drive, but also any peripherals thought to be connected with the crime. For instance, a suspected counterfeiter may have used his computer as well as a scanner and a printer to produce his counterfeited documents. If that is the case, then all three items would be seized to provide evidence.

Different countries each have their own computer forensic laws, methods and standards regarding computer forensic evidence. What is acceptable evidence and practice in one country may not be acceptable in another. This can be a serious problem when dealing with crime internationally, since a computer crime can often be perpetrated by someone in another country. Although the Internet may not have any boundaries, computer forensics law enforcement investigators do. It can be a difficult thing to track when investigations leap from server to server, and from country to country, while crossing many borders on the way. The process is further complicated by political differences, legal differences and evidence handling differences.

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Computer Forensics Investigations And The Law

The rate of network and computer crimes occurring on the Internet by hackers, intruders, contractors and employees has increased at an alarming rate. However, laws are now in place and computer forensics investigations are conducted to prevent these types of crimes and catch the perpetrators when they do occur. Using forensics, investigators have at their disposal the latest techniques of science and technology to help them find the needed evidence to fight against these offenses. The evidence is collected so that if/when the case goes to court, the system can prosecute the defendant to the fullest extent or release the person if they were wrongfully accused.

Each company should have personnel, network administrators and other IT staff who are knowledgeable about computer forensics investigations and the legal aspects. An expert on staff should have the authority to monitor and collect forensic evidence related to intrusions against the company. The use of forensic tools and their legality depend on the policies of the company and laws of the particular country.

Computer security and the laws that govern it have three specific areas which one should be familiar with in the United States. First, in the United States, the Constitution protects against unreasonable search, seizure, attack and self-incrimination. Although these words were written before the age of the computer, they still tell us how to proceed when it comes to computer data.

Secondly, those who conduct computer forensic examinations should know the effects of three United States statutory laws, which are the Wiretap Act, the Pen Registers and Trap and Trace Devices Statute, and the Stored Wired and Electronic Communication Act. If there are any violations of any one of the above statutes during the course of a computer forensic examination, the violation could lead to a fine or imprisonment.

Finally, United States federal rules regarding computer crimes must be understood. There are two areas of federal regulations that affect cyber crimes; the authority to collect and monitor data, and the admissibility of collection methods. If a company’s system or network administrators know the technical and legal complexities of computer forensics or they have the ability to preserve critical data of their organization, then it would be an asset to the organization.

Before any computer is touched or hard drive searched, a search warrant must be issued covering every device that will be investigated. Computer forensics investigations are conducted by professionals who are not only detectives, but also IT specialists as well. Their task is to find clues and other evidence left by the perpetrator to aid in the eventual arrest of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

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Conducting A Computer Forensic Investigation

The process of using the latest knowledge of technology and science, combined with computer sciences to collect, analyze and present evidence to a criminal or civil court is called a computer forensic procedure. Network administrators, staff administers, network managers and information systems managers must have a complete knowledge of digital forensics in order to protect the companies they work for from data theft.

During forensic investigations, evidence is collected to be used in criminal and civil courts against any individual who commits a computer crime. The absolute survivability and integrity of an organization’s network infrastructure depends on the use of computer forensics. In college preparatory classes, computer forensics is often times taken as the basic element of computer and network security.

It is a boon for you and your company if you know all the legal and technical aspects of computer and network forensics. If your network is ever attacked and a suspect is caught, then your advanced knowledge of forensics can help to provide important evidence so that the case can be prosecuted in the court system.

There are many risks if your company lacks people with computer forensics training. If you aren’t completely vigilant, then vital evidence could inadvertently be destroyed. Every day, new laws are being passed to help protect customers’ data. If certain kinds of data are not properly protected, then the liability can be assigned to the organization from which the data leaked. If the company fails to protect sensitive consumer data, then those new rules can bring criminal or civil court actions into play.

Did you know that money can be saved by applying computer forensics practices? Most administrators and other IT personnel spend a large portion of their budgets for network security and the prevention of computer crimes. It has been reported that forensic computer software for intrusion detection and vulnerability assessment will approach almost $1.5 billion in 2010 alone.

Data attacks are increasing in number and frequency, and the risk of hackers and contractors developing their own security systems is also increasing, so companies are developing security systems and devices for their networks. Technology, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls and proxies report on the security status of networks and allow them to be monitored more easily. Technically, the major goal of computer forensics is to gather, recognize, protect and examine data in order to protect the integrity of the collected evidence, so it can be used effectively and efficiently.

There are two types of data that are collected during a computer forensic inquiry. There is volatile data and there is persistent data. Volatile data is typically temporary data stored in caches, random access memory (RAM) and registers. It is usually lost when the computer is turned off. On the other hand, persistent data is stored on local disk drives or other media storage devices and is saved each time the computer is powered off.

It is best for a company to have on staff a team of IT security experts trained in the computer forensic field, so if or when an attack on sensitive company data arises, your business can quickly put counter measures into place to protect your network. Having a network administrator that possesses this valuable knowledge can save your business time and money.

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