Computers and the internet have become an essential part of our lives. We use the internet for online shopping, social media, and even to access healthcare services. However, any computer or device connected to the internet is vulnerable to cyber attacks and hacking. In situations where a cybercrime or hacking incident occurs, forensic computing can provide a solution. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to forensic computers, its history, principles, and processes.

History of Forensic Computing:

Forensic computing has its roots in the early 1970s, when computers were first introduced into the corporate world. Computer forensics initially started as a response to the increasing use of computers in the corporate world and the need for evidence in court cases. With the advent of the internet, forensic computing evolved to become a means to investigate cybercrime.

Principles of Forensic Computing:

The three principles of forensic computing are identification, preservation, and interpretation. Identification involves determining the relevant digital evidence that is necessary for an investigation. Preservation involves maintaining the integrity of the digital evidence. Interpretation involves analyzing the digital evidence in a manner that is admissible in court.

Processes of Forensic Computing:

Identification of evidence: This is the first and most crucial stage in forensic computing. It involves identifying the digital evidence relevant to the investigation and carefully documenting it. Evidence can be obtained from computers, mobile phones, online accounts, and removable media devices such as USB drives.

Preservation of evidence: Preservation involves the careful collection of digital evidence in a manner that ensures it remains admissible for legal purposes. Preservation also involves maintaining the integrity of the evidence by following strict protocols to ensure it is not tampered with in any way.

Analysis: Once the evidence has been identified and preserved, the next stage of forensic computing is analysis. This involves the thorough examination of the digital evidence to determine what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. This stage often requires advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of the data being analyzed.

Presentation of evidence: The final stage of forensic computing is presenting the evidence. This stage involves presenting the findings of the analysis in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Forensic computing specialists must be able to communicate their findings effectively, both in written form and in court.

Tools used in Forensic Computing:

Forensic computing specialists use a range of tools and techniques to investigate cybercrime. The most commonly used tools include digital forensic hardware and software, data carving tools, and forensic imaging tools. These tools enable forensic computing specialists to retrieve and analyze digital evidence from a range of devices and sources.

Conclusion:

Forensic computing is an essential tool in the fight against cybercrime. It involves the identification, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of digital evidence in a manner that is admissible in court. The history, principles, and processes of forensic computing have evolved to meet changing circumstances, including the advent of the internet. Forensic computing specialists use a range of tools and techniques to investigate cybercrime, including digital forensic hardware and software, data carving tools, and forensic imaging tools. As our reliance on computers and the internet continues to grow, the importance of forensic computing will only increase.