A magnifying glass may not be enough to help out private investigators in finding clues. These days, more sophisticated tools may be necessary and especially when computer forensics is concerned.

Digital Evidence
Computer or digital forensics is actually a branch of forensic science. It is mainly concerned with the current state of digital evidence. Computer forensics may be involved when one wishes to know, for instance, the nature of information provided or the sequence of events accountable for its current state. Computer forensics can be divided into sub-fields such as mobile device forensics and database forensics.

Why You Need It
Private investigators use computer forensics to accomplish various tasks. This includes but aren’t limited to gathering evidence against a certain party, analyzing a computer system that has been hacked, and recovering lost or missing data.

It’s Not Always Permissible
Evidence resulting from computer forensics will not always be accepted in a court of law. All actions of private investigators must be made to ensure the validity of the evidence. Information should be gathered accurately. There must also be a clear chain of custody starting from the very crime scene right to the time the evidence reaches the court.

A Five-Step Process
There are mainly five steps making up the process of computer forensics. The first step is preparation; only private investigators who had received special and proper training are qualified to work using computer forensics. Tools and techniques used must also be validated.

Collecting digital data is the second step. Private investigators must determine which of the many sources of digital data we have today can yield the kind of information they need. Special care must also be taken as to how data is collected. The data must be carefully handled to preserve its original condition. Chain of custody must be established and every step taken concerning the data must be documented.

Examination is the third step in the process of computer forensics. Private investigators must examine whether the data collected is still valid. Next is analysis; this is when investigators determine the nature of data through manual and digital procedures. Analysis includes extracting images and text for review, searching critical keywords, cracking passwords, and using tools such as Brian Carrier’s Sleuth Kit and Guidance Software’s EnCase.

Once the evidence has all been analyzed, private investigators will wrap things up with a report. This may be an oral or written summary, depending on the client’s preferences.

image credits to cayusa

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