The boom in computer usage has seen a significant rise in the use of new types of media, especially digital. Most people have MP3 players and digital cameras. Digital is the media of choice at the moment and there aren't many signs that it will change any time soon, if anything it's use is only likely to become more widespread.
With the widespread use of digital information comes the increased risk of that data falling into the wrong hands, or even being stolen. Computer crime is an evil faced by all computer uses and businesses on a global scale. What makes digital so appealing to users on a personal and business scale unfortunately is what appeals to criminals and online fraudsters.
Computer criminals use the Internet as a playground, a delivery network for criminal activity. The devices used go further than the personal computer however, mobile phones and PDA's are also used for such activity, and even humble MP3 players have been known to be used to store illegal data.
Digital forensics is the process of investigating and pertaining legal evidence from such digital devices. The forensic methods are used to recover deleted data, corrupted data or data that has been hidden using special file commands. A typical forensic examination of this nature will go far beyond traditional data recovery techniques and for the best results be carried out by a trained professional.
It is an important part of the forensic process to ensure that the data recovered is then kept secure and not tampered with - especially if it is to form part of a legal case. Digital forensic experts will always work on a copy of the original device or storage medium so as not to corrupt the original medium. A professional investigator should be able to produce a clear and concise report of all findings that can be used to prove the innocence or guilt of the accused.
Computer crime is evolving as fast as the technology available and so are the techniques being used to counter act it. This area of forensic science is constantly moving, new advanced techniques being developed to not only keep up with existing technology, but to also be ready for new devices that are hitting the market every day.
With the widespread use of digital information comes the increased risk of that data falling into the wrong hands, or even being stolen. Computer crime is an evil faced by all computer uses and businesses on a global scale. What makes digital so appealing to users on a personal and business scale unfortunately is what appeals to criminals and online fraudsters.
Computer criminals use the Internet as a playground, a delivery network for criminal activity. The devices used go further than the personal computer however, mobile phones and PDA's are also used for such activity, and even humble MP3 players have been known to be used to store illegal data.
Digital forensics is the process of investigating and pertaining legal evidence from such digital devices. The forensic methods are used to recover deleted data, corrupted data or data that has been hidden using special file commands. A typical forensic examination of this nature will go far beyond traditional data recovery techniques and for the best results be carried out by a trained professional.
It is an important part of the forensic process to ensure that the data recovered is then kept secure and not tampered with - especially if it is to form part of a legal case. Digital forensic experts will always work on a copy of the original device or storage medium so as not to corrupt the original medium. A professional investigator should be able to produce a clear and concise report of all findings that can be used to prove the innocence or guilt of the accused.
Computer crime is evolving as fast as the technology available and so are the techniques being used to counter act it. This area of forensic science is constantly moving, new advanced techniques being developed to not only keep up with existing technology, but to also be ready for new devices that are hitting the market every day.
