Computer Crime: What Does A Computer Data Forensics Investigator Do…

Computer (or ‘cyber’) crime is growing. As reported by police briefings, the number of computer forensics cases has been progressively increasing year on year. In the beginning, the industry literature used the term of computer forensics to specify the specific part of forensic science dealing with the study and retrieval of various material discovered in computer systems. The field expanded to digital forensics to include the examination and research of all the devices that are able to store electronic data. These kind of investigations are generally conducted in relationship to a crime, which is why it is essential that the computer forensics investigator to have the required training, but also a strong experience in the field. The responsibility of such an investigator is different from that of a system or network supervisors.

The most usual application of digital forensics investigations is usually to discredit or support hypotheses before a court of law, either criminal or civil. When it comes to digital discovery, an investigator can also be beneficial in the private sector, along the lines of corporate security and internal investigations. No matter what the case, the work of a computer forensics investigator follows a standard procedure that starts with the seizure of storage devices and continues on with its acquisition, also called forensic imaging. It is very important that the investigator has as much information as is possible before going through these steps. A very first step is frequently interviewing any individuals who can supply information in connection to the case.

The specialized processes start with the acquisition of the volatile evidence, which is the data which might change or vanish swiftly if incorrectly handled. After this step, which is often difficult to conduct, depending on the amount of access the investigator has to the computer or digital equipment. After that comes the acquisition of physical storage, including memory cards, hard disks, removable disks or USB hard disks, which will be forensically imaged, in order to ensure the continuity of the operational system, whilst additionally using the devices as evidence.

The world of digital forensics is fascinating, but it is also complicated and demanding. A good computer forensics investigator should not only be highly trained and experienced in the field, but additionally ready to step out of the technical world and into the courtroom. Testifying is normally the most demanding part of an investigator’s job. In court, you need to have the ability to translate the technical forensic language to situational basics that people can fully grasp. No matter how perfect an investigation, a poor presentation in court can easily kill it.