How Do Police Use Digital Forensics?
Digital devices are used to collect evidence for criminal cases by forensic examiners. When submitting digital devices to the lab, they must specify which types of information they are seeking. While call histories can be stored on cell phones, messages and emails from computers can contain documents or messages. Tablet devices can store images. The digital forensics lab can then use that information to create a detailed report of the crime. Once all information has been gathered, forensic examiners will be able to make a decision about whether or not the information is valuable.
Different agencies and bodies published guidelines for digital Forensics
For example, the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence published a paper in 2002 describing the best practices for computer forensics. This paper later became an ISO standard, ISO 17025, which specifies general requirements for testing and calibration laboratories. The European-led Convention on Cybercrime aims to harmonize national laws and investigative techniques in order to ensure international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. The Convention has been ratified by 16 countries.
Digital forensics does not only apply to computers; it is also used by corporations for private investigations. Digital forensics is often used by companies to investigate suspicions of illegal activity. Computer forensics involves computers, embedded systems and static memories as well data from mobile devices. Mobile forensics is a sub-field of digital forensics that examines data on mobile devices. These devices are often used for personal or business purposes. The field can be divided into three types: digital devices, embedded, and mobile.
Tools used by forensic examiners
To conduct investigations, forensic examiners may use a variety of tools. They may use a variety of software, including ProDiscover Forensic. It is a free and platform-independent software package that aids examiners in reading, writing, and editing metadata. There is no limit to how much data can be entered. Users can also add comments and evidence to their entries. ExifTool is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Digital devices are vital in chain of evidence investigations. A suspect’s laptop or phone may contain vast amounts of information that can be used to build a case. It is not easy to get this data. That’s why forensic examiners use digital forensic tools. Using a good digital forensic tool can make the process faster and more productive.
Methods to obtain data from digital devices
Digital data can easily be lost or stolen as they are stored in many places. The law enforcement agencies use different methods to seize evidence in order to protect digital data. These methods start with securing the scene, and confirming legal authority. The devices and associated peripherals (such USB sticks, thumb drives and hard drives), are then collected and examined using different tools and techniques. Hard drives are examined in a specialized laboratory.
Before obtaining any material, the investigator will obtain an NPCC-approved Digital Processing Authorisation Form from the device’s user. This form should outline the purpose of the investigation as well as the risk to the user. In some cases, an investigator may need a warrant to extract material. This is a common practice, and should be documented on the DPN. Once the warrant has been obtained, the investigator will take control of the digital device and notify the user.
Take precautions during an examination
Before conducting a digital forensics exam, collection officers should take a few precautions. It doesn’t matter whether a cell phone connects to a network or is in “airplane mode”, it can still be contaminated. To prevent contamination, collection officers should conduct a Faraday bag assessment. This bag contains information about the phone including the FCC ID and SIM card information. Once the evidence has been recovered analysts can connect data storage media to their analysis software to carry out their analyses.
Whether a device is used for personal or business purposes, forensic experts must physically gather the contents of the device before they can begin the investigation. This requires acquiring the contents of the chip and documenting it. This process can take several hours so be prepared. In addition, digital forensics experts should take special care to make sure that no other people can alter the data on the device. Using this method, the forensic expert must also ensure that the scene is secure and that there is legal authority to seize the evidence.