HOW TO CONDUCT A COMPUTER

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
The introduction of computer forensics into the field of investigation has
inculcated authenticity in the procedures. Combining traditional investigative
practices with digital forensic analysis has ensured speedy & accurate resolution
of legal proceedings. Forensic analysis has contributed tangible & admissible
evidence to verify opinions, conclusions, statements as well as events involved
in a criminal or civil litigation.
Being a methodology based on the principles of arts & science, the course of
action of computer forensic investigation needs to be efficient to help the
investigator stay on track and assure proper presentation of computer evidence
during the trials for the effective representation of defendants.

Furthermore, following a logically mapped out analysis technique helps in

speedy recovery of and assists in establishing relationship between events and
entities of a case. Likewise, since Digital Forensic Investigation is no more

limited to cyber crimes but has reached a level where it aids in examining
serious criminal offense, violent crimes, white collar crimes and other civil
litigations, it is necessary to adopt a universal step by step method to carry out
investigation.
Here is a brief introduction to the most common methodology followed by
expert analysts to derive best results during a legal investigation:

Proof Reading/ Study of the Case

Each legal proceeding requires different analytical skills as well as tools to
proceed with the digital forensic investigation. You need to identify the nature
of the crime i.e. whether is a sex crime, homicide, assault or white collar crimes
like securities frauds, bank frauds, bankruptcy cases, money laundering or
identity & data thefts. Identifying the events, statements, activities of the key
players, suspects, available data & reports and subsequently listing them in an
organized manner is the first step to ensure success. Determining the type of
case articulates the best approach to identify, analyse, collect & preserve data.

Selecting the Right Tools & Techniques

Based upon the requirement of the investigation procedure, computer forensic
experts select the appropriate tools, software & hardware which are compatible
for the investigation. The tools selected serve the purpose of identifying data,
recover lost/hidden/ deleted intelligence, identifying steganography, tracking
events &messages and live analysis. Besides, they should be handy in extracting
information from digital media & storage devices, SD cards and servers.

Acquisition of Evidence
Finding evidence through digital forensic investigation has a wide scope. It
ranges from simple data recovery to tracking & online monitoring. You need to
identify reliable sources of data, retrieve deleted emails/files/data, track/trace
fraudulent transactions, transfer of funds, recover encrypted information in
digital formats, find out recent computer activities, determine internet usage,
web history, stride through complex documents and access data from servers.

Verifying & scrutinizing reports, information, statements and deriving alternate

interpretations of certain evidences is a fundamental step taken to effectively
represent defendants during trials by providing expert witness testimony.

Report Writing
A written report is prepared based on the knowledge of the forensic analyst and
the retrieved intelligence. The report is constructed on the basis of data as well
as correlation of dates, incidents, statements and entities with the aid of time &
media analysis. It enlists organized evidence, unbiased opinions and the
conclusions drawn from the investigation in formats easily acceptable in all
county, state & federal courts.
One of the private investigation firms which sincerely adheres to this systematic
procedure during computer forensic investigation is ICFECI (Institute of
Forensic Examination &Criminal Investigations) located in the Northern
District of Texas. The firm is known for its discreet investigation, integrated
team of forensic experts, client confidentiality & adherence to legal boundaries
while still providing best resolution for civil and criminal litigations.

For more information

Address: 4360 Western Center Blvd., #304
City: Fort Worth
State: Fort Worth
Country: U.S.A.
Pin code: 76137