Ever wondered how a digital forensics team operates? How do the experts find those incriminating files or suspicious activity only using a person’s data? Here’s a breakdown of how the digital forensics process works, giving you an idea of how your own case could play out:
Preparation Stage
Before the forensics procedure can begin, the first step is to prepare any of the relevant equipment or software that has to be used. Verify that any software or device is tested to work correctly, and look into the training of any personnel on the job. Make sure to read up on the relevant laws regarding the forensics examination of the device in question, speak to the client, and get insights regarding the case.
It’s also necessary to go over any risks involved in the procedure, keeping your client in the loop about this information.
Collection Stage
This stage is the meat and bones of the whole procedure, where digital forensics experts will either bring in the device in question to a lab or perform the data extraction on-site. Whatever evidence is found, the experts will follow the compliance and regulation to store that data appropriately, maintaining its integrity.
Physical evidence such as a hard drive, a photograph is also kept in a plastic bag to prevent any deterioration as evidence.
Analysis and Reporting Stage
In reality, the analysis procedure takes up a bulk of the time for digital forensics as it can be tricky to find the relevant data to pin the case on someone. It requires the experts to go through the parameters set in the preparation stage and look for any relevant and noteworthy information.
Once the analysis has concluded, the data has to be reported back to the authority or the client. In many cases, factual findings and information require simplification for the average person to understand. The procedure eventually ends once there’s either conclusive data or a dead-end with no means of going forward.
If you’re looking for a digital forensics expert that can help you with collecting evidence, look no further than Eclipse Forensics. We’ve worked on several operations over the years, including the infamous Justin Barber case in 2005. We offer audio and video enhancement, authentication, forensic image redaction, and other techniques to help get to the bottom of the case.
Get in touch with us today to get started on digital forensics for your case.