Unit 1: Digital Investigation
- Digital Evidence and Computer Crime
- History and Terminology of Computer Crime Investigation
- Technology and Law
- The Investigative Process
- Investigative Reconstruction
- Modus Operandi, Motive, and Technology
- Digital Evidence in the Courtroom
- Digital Evidence and Computer Crime:
- Digital Evidence: Information stored or transmitted in a digital form.
- Computer Crime: Criminal activities involving computers or digital systems.
- History and Terminology of Computer Crime Investigation:
- History: Evolution of computer crime investigation over time.
- Terminology: Definitions and language specific to digital investigations.
- Technology and Law:
- Relationship: Interaction between technological advancements and legal frameworks.
- Legal Challenges: Addressing legal issues arising from technological innovations.
- The Investigative Process:
- Stages: Identification, preservation, collection, examination, analysis, presentation.
- Protocols: Standard procedures for handling digital evidence.
- Investigative Reconstruction:
- Definition: Reconstructing events based on digital evidence.
- Purpose: Establishing a coherent timeline of activities.
- Modus Operandi, Motive, and Technology:
- Modus Operandi: Patterns or methods used by criminals.
- Motive: The reason behind criminal actions.
- Technology: Tools and techniques employed in criminal activities.
- Digital Evidence in the Courtroom:
- Admissibility: Criteria for digital evidence to be accepted in court.
- Presentation: Techniques for effectively presenting digital evidence.
- Legal Challenges: Addressing objections and ensuring evidence validity.
Unit 2: Understanding Information
- Methods of storing data: number systems, character codes, record structures, file formats, and file signatures
- Word processing and graphic file formats
- Structure and Analysis of Optical Media Disk Formats
- Recognition of file formats and internal buffers
- Extraction of forensic artifacts – understanding the dimensions of other latest storage devices – SSD Devices
- Methods of Storing Data:
- Number Systems: Binary, decimal, hexadecimal representations.
- Character Codes: ASCII, Unicode, EBCDIC for character encoding.
- Record Structures: Organization of data within records.
- File Formats: Structures defining how data is stored in files.
- File Signatures: Unique identifiers at the beginning of files.
- Word Processing and Graphic File Formats:
- Word Processing Formats: DOCX, PDF, RTF.
- Graphic Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF.
- Structure and Analysis of Optical Media Disk Formats:
- CD, DVD, Blu-ray: Understanding physical and logical structures.
- File Systems: ISO 9660, UDF for organizing data.
- Recognition of File Formats and Internal Buffers:
- File Format Identification: Analyzing headers and signatures.
- Internal Buffers: Temporary storage areas in computer memory.
- Extraction of Forensic Artifacts – Understanding the Dimensions of Other Latest Storage Devices – SSD Devices:
- Forensic Artifacts: Recovering and analyzing traces of user activity.
- Latest Storage Devices: Understanding advancements in storage technology.
- SSD Devices: Solid-state drives, their architecture, and forensic challenges.
Unit 3: Computer Basics for Digital Investigators
- Computer Forensic Fundamentals
- Applying Forensic Science to computers
- Computer Forensic Services
- Benefits of Professional Forensic Methodology
- Steps taken by computer forensic specialists
- Computer Forensic Fundamentals:
- Definition: Application of forensic science principles to digital evidence.
- Objectives: Investigate, analyze, and preserve digital evidence.
- Applying Forensic Science to Computers:
- Principles: Scientific methodologies to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Processes: Collection, examination, analysis, and reporting of digital evidence.
- Computer Forensic Services:
- Scope: Services encompassing data recovery, analysis, and expert testimony.
- Specializations: Network forensics, mobile device forensics, malware analysis.
- Benefits of Professional Forensic Methodology:
- Reliability: Adherence to established methodologies ensures trustworthy results.
- Admissibility: Follows procedures that meet legal requirements for evidence.
- Steps Taken by Computer Forensic Specialists:
- Identification: Locating and recognizing potential evidence.
- Preservation: Safeguarding evidence to prevent alteration.
- Collection: Gathering relevant digital artifacts.
- Examination: Analyzing collected data using forensic tools.
- Analysis: Assessing the significance of discovered evidence.
- Reporting: Documenting findings for legal and investigative purposes.
Unit 4: Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices
- Handling the Digital Crime Scene
- Digital Evidence Examination Guidelines – ACPO – IOCE – SWGDE – DFRWS – IACIS – HTCIA – ISO 27037
- Handling the Digital Crime Scene:
- Preservation: Ensure the integrity and security of the crime scene.
- Documentation: Thoroughly document the digital environment.
- Isolation: Prevent contamination and tampering with evidence.
- Digital Evidence Examination Guidelines:
- ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers): UK-based guidelines for digital evidence.
- IOCE (International Organization on Computer Evidence): Global organization promoting digital evidence best practices.
- SWGDE (Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence): U.S.-focused group developing standards for digital evidence.
- DFRWS (Digital Forensics Research Workshop):
- Purpose: Advancing digital forensics research and development.
- Guidelines: Contributions to best practices in digital evidence examination.
- IACIS (International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists):
- Training and Certification: Provides education and certification for digital investigators.
- Best Practices: Contributes to the development of industry best practices.
- HTCIA (High Technology Crime Investigation Association):
- Networking: Facilitates collaboration among digital investigators globally.
- Guidelines: Develops and promotes best practices in high-tech crime investigations.
- ISO 27037 (International Organization for Standardization):
- Framework: Establishes guidelines for identifying, collecting, and preserving digital evidence.
- Compliance: Helps organizations meet international standards for digital investigations.
Unit 5: Types of Computer Forensics Tools and Technology
- Tools and Types of Military Computer Forensics Technology
- Tools and Types of Law Enforcement Computer Forensic Technology
- Tools and Types of Business Computer Forensic Technology
- Tools and Types of Military Computer Forensics Technology:
- Encase Military Forensic Software: Comprehensive forensic tool for military investigations.
- Wireshark: Analyzes network protocols, valuable for military cyber investigations.
- AccessData FTK (Forensic Toolkit): Used by the military for digital evidence analysis and recovery.
- Tools and Types of Law Enforcement Computer Forensic Technology:
- Cellebrite UFED: Extracts and analyzes data from mobile devices for law enforcement.
- X-Ways Forensics: Offers a range of features for file and disk analysis.
- Autopsy: Open-source tool used by law enforcement for digital forensics.
- Tools and Types of Business Computer Forensic Technology:
- Magnet AXIOM: Comprehensive tool for digital forensics and evidence analysis.
- Sleuth Kit and Autopsy: Open-source tools useful for business investigations.
- OSForensics: Versatile forensic tool for examining digital evidence in business environments.
