Data collection for digital forensics includes forensic experts and investigators gathering proof deemed valuable in an investigation from a crime scene. This evidence is often in digitized form, meaning it can be received, stored, and transmitted through an electronic device. The premise of this essay is to examine the personnel who conduct the research, types of digital tools used, how evidence in digital devices collected, steps involved in evidence collection, and the challenges involved in accessing digital proof.
Digital evidence collection requires more than one expert since the field has no single expert who can handle all digital devices because of the diversity and ever-changing technology. This is important for the specialization of skills in the digital forensics field. (Forensic Science Simplified, n.d.). Digital evidence handlers are called certified digital media examiners. They have a diversity of specialization under it, which translates to a variety of certifying agencies like the Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB) and Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Digital devices are sensitive and may hold crucial evidence on crime include mobile devices, stand-alone computers, CCTV cameras, and internet-based devices like routers and servers.
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Digital evidence can be collected in various ways. One way can be the seizing of mobile phones found in the scene of a crime. Some offenders may unintentionally leave behind their cell phones while fleeing from a crime scene. The phone is collected and analyzed to trace suspicion communications that may provide leads to the investigating team. The first responders must handle digital devices with care to avoid their continued exposure to moisture, static electricity and high temperatures (NOvak et al., 2020) . Besides, the cell phones picked must be switched off immediately to ensure preservation of tower information and call log history among other details. In the same methodology, investigators may seize stand-alone computers linked to the scene of the crime. Upon seizure, these devices are turned off so that they may not be remotely commanded to erase potential evidence. It is important to document any activity on the computers by taking pictures. Other office equipment that may contain crucial data such as printers, scanners and cameras should also be collected.
Digital data collection entails three steps. These steps include; seizure of digital media like phone, acquiring the media by creating a forensic image of it, and then analyzing the media. The devices picked are sent to the laboratory for analysis through several steps ("Digital forensics", 2020) . They include contamination prevention through making of copies of digital storage media, then wireless media is separated and examined in a chamber to prevent connection to networks. Installation of a software that prevent further writing on the device ensure the data can only be viewed and not copied. With the process of retrieving the data complete, the media is sent back to investigations for DNA and fingerprint examination. The collection of digital evidence, however, faces challenges. These challenges include; susceptibility to hacking tools, extensive use of the internet to hide crime, and technological changes that may are difficult to learn and adapt to.
In conclusion, digital data collection is a diverse process that requires expertise in handling evidence, lest it gets destroyed. This evidence is helpful since it can be used against a suspect in a court of law.
References
Digital Evidence: How It’s Done . Forensicsciencesimplified.org. (2020). Retrieved 27 June 2020, from
http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/digital/how.html .
Digital forensics . OpenLearn. (2020). Retrieved 27 June 2020, from
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/digital-forensics/content-section-4.1
NOvak, M., Grier, J., & Gonzalez, D. (2020). New Approaches to Digital Evidence Acquisition and
Analysis . National Institute of Justice. Retrieved 27 June 2020, from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/newapproaches-digital-evidence-acquisition-and-analysis#:~:text=In%20an%20effort%20to%20fight,digital%20evidence%20into%20their%20infrastructure.&text=Seizing%20the%20media.,of%20the%20media%20for%20examination .
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