What is computer forensics?
Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science, focused on the application of scientific methods in a legal context to investigate computer incidents. The importance of computer forensics lies in its ability to present proceedings and evidence in courts or tribunals, being essential to ensure the clarity and comprehensibility of evidence before any authority.
Where does the word "forensics" come from?
The word "forensic" has its roots in the Latin "Foren CIS", which means "in front of the Forum", referring to the trials in ancient Rome. Evidence in these trials had to be clear and easy for everyone to understand, a practice that is still reflected in today's forensic procedures.
What are the key questions in a forensic investigation?
Every investigation must answer six fundamental questions:
- What happened?
- Where did it happen?
- How did it happen?
- Who was involved?
- When did it happen?
- Why did it happen?
These questions guide the analysis process and are crucial for clear and concise reporting to clients or legal authorities.
How does the exchange principle apply?
The exchange principle, erroneously attributed to Edmund Poster, holds that whenever two objects come into contact, they transfer part of their material to each other. In computer forensics, this concept applies to the transfer of data when devices interact, such as when connecting a computer to a network or a USB device to a computer.
How is computer forensics defined?
Computer forensics is defined as the use of proven scientific methods and techniques to identify, preserve, validate, analyze, interpret and present digital evidence. It involves digitally stored data and focuses on reconstructing legal events or preventing illegal activities by anticipating actions that could violate the law.
What are the stages of computer forensics?
Computer forensics is developed in four main stages:
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Identification: Recognizing digital evidence and sources of information useful for the investigation.
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Preservation: Storing and protecting digital evidence in a secure manner, following rigorous procedures to avoid evidence contamination.
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Analysis: Examine the evidence to discover relevant information and build a clear picture of the events investigated.
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Presentation: Communicate the results obtained through a clear and understandable report to clients, lawyers or other interested parties, ensuring that they are legally valid.
What is digital evidence?
Digital evidence is any set of digitally stored data containing information relevant to a legal or criminal process. This data can come from various sources such as computers, cell phones, hard drives, USB sticks, network devices, among others.
Each of these activities is fundamental to a rigorous and reliable forensic computing process that can withstand scrutiny in legal environments.
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