Cyber Forensics is a branch of computer forensics that focuses on the investigation of failure. The goal of the investigation is to determine what caused something to fail, and the techniques used in this field include the use of forensic engineering and testing replicas of products to determine what went wrong.

Stochastic Forensics

The concept of stochastic forensics is based on physics. Unlike classical Newtonian mechanics, which attempts to determine the exact position and momentum of individual particles, stochastic forensics studies systems composed of a large number of particles. Instead of attempting to track the individual properties of these particles, stochastic forensics uses a statistical approach to analyze complex systems.

Stochastic forensics is a way to examine digital activities without leaving behind artifacts, which are unintended alterations of data. It’s commonly used in data breach investigations. This technique is particularly useful when attackers are believed to be insiders. In this case, it’s necessary to examine data stored in multiple drives in order to reconstruct the events leading up to the data breach. Stochastic forensics also uses cross-drive analysis to correlate information from several drives to uncover a pattern of behavior. This technique is also known as anomaly detection.

Cross-drive analysis

Cross-drive analysis is a statistical method that analyzes multiple data sources simultaneously. The method relies on the identification of pseudo-unique identifiers called “features” which are used for single-drive analysis and multi-drive correlation. These tools can be used to identify drives that contain large amounts of financial data or clusters of drives that come from the same organization.

Cross-drive analysis can be less invasive than other investigative techniques. It only collects information that is likely to yield important results. This is a potential benefit that the courts will welcome. But cross-drive analysis is not the solution to all your problems. Here are a few examples.

Career paths in computer forensics

For individuals who are interested in a career involving the use of digital forensics, there are many options available. However, this career path is not without its risks. It can expose individuals to some of the worst aspects of human nature. As computer forensics expert John Irvine noted in a recent blog post, the field developed as a way to catch child pornographers and terrorists.

Computer forensics jobs usually require a bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent. However, some positions may require that you possess a master’s degree in the field. Earning a master’s degree will show employers that you’re willing to further your education in cyber security, which is valuable for those working in the field.

In addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree, computer forensics professionals often pursue certificate programs. These programs are typically designed for individuals with a strong background in computer security or law. In these programs, students will expand upon their knowledge while learning new skills. Certificate programs often require fewer than ten courses, and many require some professional experience in a related field. Common courses include introduction to technology, digital media analysis, and telecommunications.

Many computer forensics degree programs require students to complete an internship in the field. These internships can be helpful in securing entry-level positions and building connections in the industry. The internships can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.