Electronic
and digital devices have the scope of storing a vast amount of information
regarding a person’s personal and professional life. It is a reliable repository of crucial
information that needs to be extracted and presented to verify or nullify the
events in a legal proceeding. Digital Media & Storage Devices including
computers, laptops and tablets becoming a potential source of evidence in all
litigations has made the involvement of a digital forensic expert inevitable.
A
Computer
Forensic Examiner plays an integral part in the investigation
and successful resolution of a case. While forensic analysts are known by
different names such as computer forensic analysts, digital forensic
investigators/ specialists/ experts, their job essentially revolves around
evidence management and representation. They are experienced in identifying,
organizing and preserving data or evidence in an efficient manner in order to
provide accurate proofs in support of statements during a trial.
The
role of a Computer forensic specialist is not limited to evidence recovery and
presentation. Unbeknownst to most, forensic analysts are capable of providing a
new direction to a case and make a huge difference in courtrooms with their
analytical ability, critical thinking and expert presentation of facts in a
convincing manner. Here is a brief summary of duties performed by these expert
professionals to aid an investigation:
Evidence
Recovery, Management & Representation
This
is the primary responsibility of a forensic examiner. Whether it is an
encrypted document or deleted files, digital forensic specialists are capable
of converting them into formats acceptable in courts. They have the ability and
knowledge to analyze and track evidence in any form like documents, files,
videos, images, encrypted data, deleted/ hidden information, emails, messages,
identifying modifications, altercation and recent digital and internet
activities.
Besides
dealing with a variety of evidence, analysts are trained to locate data/
evidence from any digital source. They deploy tools, techniques and critical
analysis to break through complex gadgets or day to day devices like computers,
laptops, cell phones, tablets, SD cards, peripheral as well as connecting devices
in addition to network servers, social media activity tracking and evaluating
financial statements, records and accounts. Forensic Examiners have a knack for
wading through a vast amount of data and locating the required information.
Correlating
Events & Statements
Information
is of no use if it cannot prove a point or lead the case towards success. It is
a crucial aspect of forensic investigation to establish timeline of events,
verify or nullify the statements of witnesses and present witnesses to support
facts and circumstances. Digital Forensic Analysts are experienced and skilled
in analyzing the information and compiling them to establish a coherent
inferences or conclusions.
Expert
Witness Testimony
The
witness presented by an expert digital forensic analyst aided by digital
evidence acts as a solid way of presenting testimony. Forensic analysts are
trained to present evidence in a convincing manner as well as explain jargons
and complex technicalities in simple user friendly terms that can be easily
admitted by judges & juries. The efficient representation of facts &
figures and the inferences drawn thereby by an experienced forensic examiner
ensures the successful resolution of a legal proceeding.
However,
before approaching an investigative agency to aid you in computer forensic
examination you need to make certain that the organization is reputed,
experienced and the required resources and skills to handle privileged
information obtained during the investigation in a confidential manner.
