What is Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics?

The computer forensics or cyber forensics is a process of investigation and a set of techniques for analysis to collect and appropriately preserve evidence from specific computer devices in order to present in the court of law. The purpose of computer forensics is to carry out an investigation appropriately through a structured manner and maintain a chain of documentation in order to explore and know what exactly happened on a computer and in other devices which caused a break of law and who caused the break of law. However, the ultimate and desired outcome of the investigation solely depends upon the expertise, efficiencies and professionalism of the forensics firm or the investigators such as Elijah computer forensics.

The forensic investigators usually perform the investigation through a standard set of investigation procedures. To begin with procedures, the investigators first isolate the device or securely keep and seal the device so that the evidence in the device will not corrupt or get destroyed or lost. Then the investigators make a digital copy of the entire storage, memory, and other segments which may have necessary data and information or evidence that may be helpful and required for evidence. Once the process of copy and appropriate preservation of data and information is completed, the original device is then sealed and locked and kept in safe custody.

The examination of the copied storage, memory and other segments of the original device is performed using varieties of software forensic applications and numerous other types of technics. The process normally involves digging out and checking any hidden folders and other spaces to find out possible copies of deleted or damaged or encrypted files and folders. Eventually, anything that may be useful found in the copy through the search is elaborately and carefully documented and kept in a finding report and further verified and compared with the original device.

If there are suspicion or doubt or need of getting back to one more round of examination of the copied data and information, the investigators again conduct a search to confirm the evidence and finding report. Once everything is final up to a level of satisfaction, the process of preparation of the legal proceedings starts which involve the structured segments of discovery, process of depositions or the actual the process of litigation. In recent times, the computer forensics has extensively grown with the advancement of technology and has become its own specialised area of scientific expertise and professionalism involving academic courses and certification.