man using a laptop computer

Computer Forensics vs. Mobile Forensics: What’s the Difference?

Previously, digital forensics was often referred to as computer forensics. However, with the increase in technological advancements and the introduction of several new smart devices, the field is now referred to as digital forensics. As we are living in a highly connected and digital world, it makes sense that computer forensics and other types of forensics analysis, like mobile forensics, go hand in hand.

Even though the basic concept of forensic analysis is the same, there are several other significant differences between computer and mobile forensics. Read this blog to explore more.

Computer Forensics vs. Mobile Forensics: Data Acquisition

One of the first differences between the forensic analysis procedures is the way data is collected. In computer forensics, the devices that digital experts are imaging are static storage devices, which means you will obtain the same image every time.

On the other hand, the devices that the experts are imaging during mobile forensics are dynamic systems, which means you can retrieve the existing files from the device.

Computer Forensics vs. Mobile Forensics: Data Preservation

A computer can be shut down, which means it is preserved because it does not need to be turned back on to retrieve information. On the contrary, the only way to retrieve information from a mobile device is to turn it on, which means the state of the device is altered and it can’t be preserved.

smart phone placed on wooden table

Computer Forensics vs. Mobile Forensics: Operating Systems

Computer forensics is limited to three operating systems; OSs, Mac, and Windows. On the other hand, the operating systems used during a mobile forensic analysis are Android, iOS, and Windows.

Work with Digital Forensics Experts for Best Results

Now that you know the difference between computer and mobile forensics, it is time to hire professionals.

At Eclipse Forensics, we offer digital forensic services, including video analysis, audio forensic authentication, image redaction, and much more.  Hire our reliable and experienced forensic experts in Florida for optimal results. We have been operating since 2005 and can handle a variety of cases.

Want to learn more? Get in touch with us to learn more from our experts.

An image of a group of forensic experts taking pictures of footsteps in the mud

The Role of Digital Forensics in Criminal Investigations

The science of digital forensics has been around since the 1970s. It has greatly evolved with the advent of new technological advancements and digital tools. Today, digital forensics has emerged as one of the most highly specialized fields, with its own standard practices.

It is used in a variety of areas, from criminal investigation to data theft and other cyber security issues. However, not everyone knows the importance of digital forensics in criminal investigations.

This blog will serve as a guide to help you understand its role. Keep reading to learn more.

Continue reading

A judge is viewing evidence on a laptop

How to Ensure the Admissibility of Video Evidence in Court

According to sources, video evidence plays a crucial role in approximately 80% of criminal cases. However, presenting digital evidence in court can be daunting, and you will be under a lot of stress. Due to this stress, you may make some mistakes that can affect the admissibility of your video evidence. If the opposing legal party finds out any shortcomings in your evidence, they will try to dismantle the entire case.

As a leading video forensic consultant in Florida, we have prepared a guide to help you ensure video evidence admissibility.

Continue reading

Police officer putting handcuffs on a criminal

4 Criminal Cases Solved using Digital Evidence

Digital evidence in criminal cases has changed how investigators solve crimes. Almost every case has some digital evidence linked to it that helps forensics teams, investigators and authorities find criminals and take them into custody.

As a digital forensics service provider in FL, we have used some real examples to explain how digital evidence in criminal cases is used.

Continue reading

People are looking at evidence

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Handling Digital Evidence

Digital evidence is fragile and volatile; even the smallest mistake during its handling can alter the content and make it inadmissible during legal proceedings. Evidence handling involves four major steps, such as identification, collection, acquisition and preservation—and you have to follow certain protocols to ensure data isn’t modified during these steps.

As a leading digital forensic consultant agency, our experts have explained common digital evidence handling mistakes, so you don’t make any.

Continue reading

Digital evidence handling

A Complete Guide to Handling Digital Evidence the Right Way

Digital Evidence is increasingly assimilating into the world. The demand for digital forensics is predicted to proliferate over the next few years. Mobiles and the growth of the Internet of Things have made digital evidence more common than ever before. If you want to handle digital evidence in a way that’s not harmful, then read on as we tell you more.

Handling Digital Evidence

1. Identification

Before gathering digital evidence during the identification step, basic information regarding the cybercrime case is gathered. Similar to what is sought during a regular criminal investigation, this early information. The researcher aims to provide answers to the following queries:

  • Who participated?
  • What took place?
  • When did the cyberattack take place?
  • Where did the online crime take place?
  • How did the online crime happen?

2. Collection

When it comes to cybercrime, the crime scene is not just the physical location of the digital devices employed in the crime’s commission and its intended victim. The digital devices that may contain digital evidence are also included in the cybercrime crime scene, which encompasses several digital servers, systems, and devices. The crime scene is guarded when cybercrime is noticed, reported, and/or suspected.

3. Acquisition

The following step is to get data from the gathered device. The equipment in question determines the particular acquisition technique. For instance, the procedure for removing data from a laptop differs significantly from that of a smartphone.

This procedure should, wherever feasible, be handled by experts. Taking a “forensic picture” could be preferable to manipulating the original copy, depending on the device’s state and contents. That calls for specific equipment and information.

4. Protection

The goal of evidence preservation is to stop digital evidence from being altered before it is again required. It can happen physically or digitally depending on what is better at handling the data. Management systems today are beneficial in this feat.

5. Analysis and Reporting

In addition to handling digital evidence, the data analysis process entails looking at and analyzing it (the analysis phase) and communicating the analysis results (reporting phase). In the analysis stage, data is analyzed, events are reconstructed, and digital evidence is taken from the device. Before beginning to analyze the forensic evidence, the lab’s digital forensics analyst must be told of the search’s goals, given some context for the case, and any additional information gleaned from the research that can help the forensics analyst at this stage.

Final Thoughts

Digital evidence handling requires a lot of effort as there are many steps in handling digital evidence effectively. The way to ensure that digital evidence is appropriately handled is by forming a team that will execute the process from start to finish. They must know how they must handle digital evidence for maximum efficiency.

For more information on digital evidence, read more on our website please visit us at www.eclipseforensics.com.

Cyber security on multiple windows

4 Advantages of Digital Forensics for Emerging Cyber Security Threats

Digital forensics is a response to the overwhelming degree of digital information present in the world as of late. Digital forensics processes are applied to a piece of digital evidence against a possible crime. Digital forensics, thus, don’t just serve a purpose in common crimes; they also serve a purpose in cyber attacks and cyber crimes, which are on the rise due to the vast expansion of the internet and the deep penetration of digital technologies.

We have listed some benefits of digital forensics for emergency security threats.

Continue reading