Before a company decides to use cyber forensics, they need to determine their risk appetite and goals. Once these are set, they can then analyze their current security posture and develop an action plan to mitigate identified loopholes. This will help them determine what types of incidents they can expect, and what risks they should be addressing. After this step, a company needs to educate employees about forensic readiness.
Documentation
Documentation is an integral part of the digital forensic process. The documentation of each step in the investigation ensures the authenticity and integrity of the investigation. There are many steps in the documentation process, and each one must follow a specific chain of custody. The first step is determining the scope of the investigation, and this is done through identifying the sources and types of evidence. The next step is gathering evidence. This requires the collection of data from various sources, including personal computers, mobile phones, and PDAs.
Digital forensics investigations are becoming more sophisticated, and the technology used to perform these investigations has become more widespread. These investigations require specialized skill sets. The investigators must have a solid understanding of the law and how to effectively use data to prevent or respond to crimes. For example, they must be trained to identify the purpose and motivation of the criminal, and should be able to document their findings to prove their case in court.
The digital forensics process involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data from a variety of sources. The process involves analyzing digital evidence to establish facts related to computer systems, network devices, mobile phones, and tablets. It also involves presenting information to regulators.
Tools
Cyber forensics tools are designed to capture digital evidence and give authorities an overall picture of a computer network’s activity. They include tools for extracting traffic and payload information from networks, as well as database analyzers and registry tools, which collect data from operating systems and user registries. These tools help experts reverse-engineer malware. Other tools for forensic analysis include email scanners, which check email communications for any encrypted data. These tools are used by law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and other government entities to gather information and evidence in cases involving cybercrime.
Some forensics tools are especially useful for examining mobile devices. Oxygen Forensic Detective, for example, collects data from smartphones and other mobile devices. It also bypasses device security and collects authentication data for mobile applications. Oxygen is a commercial tool used by many law enforcement and government agencies.
Techniques
Cyber Forensics techniques are a key element of incident response. These techniques help investigators identify and analyze malicious code and payload. In addition, they help recover deleted files and partitions from computers. They can also retrieve information from mobile devices, such as phone contact lists, audiovisuals, and call logs.
Regulators and government agencies have increasingly relied on computer forensics to investigate computer crimes. In fact, the growth of digital crime prompted the creation of specialized departments for both the FBI and the British Met Police. The case of Markus Hess, a computer hacker who sold stolen information to the Soviet KGB for $54,000, highlights the importance of cyber forensics. Though the criminal was not a digital forensic expert, he was eventually caught after the FBI and British police used computer and network forensic techniques to identify the hacker.
The use of forensic techniques can also save time and money. By employing a proper forensic readiness plan, organizations can minimize the disruption of operations and ensure compliance.
Reporting
Reporting cyber forensics to regulators is an essential part of ensuring compliance with data security standards. Organizations are required by law to report breaches to regulators, and they must comply with the regulations regarding the disclosure of data. Forensic investigations can help law enforcement agencies identify and prevent cyber crimes, as well as track unusual military activity.
Most forensic tools automatically generate a report for experts to use. However, a report must be written in a manner understandable by the intended audience. For instance, courtroom presentations must include information about the steps taken to collect evidence, and the report can make or break a case. Reports for cybercrime incidents are more technical, but they can serve as a basis for implementing remediation measures and changes to an organization’s infrastructure.