Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The Present Use And Future Trajectory Of Digital Forensics

By Christine Smith


The trappings of technology are so widespread that it would be near impossible to walk a few steps in a modern technopolis without spotting some such appurtenances. From phones, computers, automated gizmos, video surveillance, they surround us all the time, all the way, that they inevitably become important means of evidence when an incident occurs or a crime is committed. This will be a nifty opportunity for digital forensics new york to show off its chops.

All kinds of aberrations are common in a melting pot of societies. Domestic breaches, societal transgressions, and heinous crimes abound in spades. Investigators may rely on detective deductions, circumstantial evidence, and eyewitness accounts to establish culpability in a particular case, although there are obvious pitfalls in this kind of system.

In bygone days, the usual establishers of guilt were eyewitnesses and circumstantial evidences. Those can be problematic in more ways than one. With the advent of technology, however, we found ourselves inundated by seemingly impregnable evidences in the form of metadata, video footages, audio recordings, and incriminating files and communications, and suddenly, the testimony seemed like a clincher. After all, it would be hard to belie what is seen and said in videos and audios.

Not so. And this is where digital forensics comes in. This branch of forensic science deals with the investigation of potential evidence found in digital gizmos. Under its ambit are devices like computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, network devices, storage media, and some such. The evidence gleaned is then used to prove or disprove some sort of assumption forwarded in court.

This branch of forensics has to do mainly with computers but it can also inch into network investigations, as in identifying the perpetrators of security leaks and attacks and the source of malicious malware. Mobile device services deal with evidence found in corresponding devices, SIM cards, GPS information, and others. There is also a forensic service for image, video, and audio sources that work to establish these aforementioned tools authenticity and admissibility in court.

The steps in the digital forensic process starts with identification. Potential provenance of relevant data is identified. When sourced and obtained, they must be preserved and placed in a special legal hold so that they will not be tampered and damaged. All the significant sources are then compiled and organized in a practicable format for accessibility. Next, they would have to be thoroughly investigated and analyzed so that the final conclusions may be drawn. The findings are then presented in a court of law.

Working in this field is no mean feat. There are certain skills one must acquire before he can qualify as a digital forensic examiner. Extensive computer skills and technological knowhow are givens. Analytical talent is a must, and observation skills are a big plus. One also has to be well organized so that he will to be able to deliver successfully.

There are opportunities galore in this profession. One may follow a career path in the detective or police departments. In law firms and investigative bureaus, you may also be up for the taking. One may also have a corporate job in private companies as computer systems technicians and data custodians.

With the coming years, digital forensics would only grow in importance. Its significance is of no niggling proportions. When performed and delivered properly, they can make all the difference in litigation and the subsequent betterment of society.




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