How to protect yourself from false forensics

It is commonly understood that once something leaves the closed system of your phone or computer, it is out of your hands. Text messages are saved by providers, blog posts are screenshotted and saved, and calls are logged or recorded. When it comes to technology, nothing is ephemeral.

That said, technology is highly adaptable by nature. Every time we think we have found a way to outsmart it, a new strain of deception appears. Many people are aware of 'deep fakes,' a method of effectively impersonating someone via video editing. Considering how simple it has become to alter someone's face and words, the act of altering text is hardly outside the realm of possibility.

Problems with digital evidence

On top of this, a number of problems prevent law enforcement from accurately assessing digital evidence. This includes the amount of digital evidence (thousands of texts can be sent within the span of a few hours); the difficulty of obtaining original copies of messages (screenshots are easily edited and tech giants are notoriously slow at providing data); and the ease of cherry-picking information from a seemingly endless source (you might have searched for a term tangentially related to the crime five years ago).

False forensics can be particularly damaging in cases that involve fraud and sexual assault. Messages can be erased or edited to appear in someone else's favor, or to hide evidence of misrepresentation. Especially when dealing with law enforcement who might not be trained to deal with digital evidence, a doctored email could sway an entire case against you.

Computer forensics in Dallas

Bearing everything in mind, it is crucial to consider your own technological safety. Computer forensics should be handled by experts, who have a professional understanding of the evidence. ICFECI offers computer forensics in Dallas and computer forensics in Fort Worth with the goal of protecting you from false accusations or mishandling of crucial evidence. Our experts are trained to identify relevant parts of data, in addition to often overlooked warning signs for when messages have been deleted or doctored.

In today's world, it is easier than ever to frame someone using technology. You need to ensure that you are doing everything you can to make technology work in your favor.

Blog Resource: 

https://www.icfeci.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-false-forensics/