Introduction
Computer crime investigation is a branch of digital forensics that aims to detect, analyze, preserve, and present digital evidence related to illegal activities carried out via or against computer systems.
Objectives of Digital Investigation
- Identify sources of digital evidence.
- Preserve the integrity of collected data.
- Reconstruct events that led to an attack.
- Identify the perpetrators or those responsible for malicious actions.
- Provide admissible evidence in a court of law.
Key Steps in the Investigation
- Identification
- Detection of an incident or crime (e.g., intrusion, fraud, data theft).
- Defining the digital crime scene.
- Preservation
- Backing up systems, drives, and event logs.
- Using bit-by-bit imaging tools to avoid altering evidence.
- Collection
- Extracting files, emails, logs, metadata, etc.
- Maintaining the chain of custody.
- Analysis
- Examining data using specialized tools (e.g., EnCase, Autopsy, Volatility).
- Reconstructing activities: logins, transfers, deletions, etc.
- Presentation
- Writing a clear and chronological technical report.
- Legal use of evidence: expert testimony, submitting evidence in court.
Types of Computer Crimes Investigated
| Type of Crime | Example |
|---|---|
| Intrusion | Unauthorized access to a server |
| Fraud | Phishing, bank fraud |
| Espionage | Theft of confidential data |
| Sabotage | Data deletion or denial of service |
| Hacking | Deployment of malicious software (malware) |
Tools and Methods Used
Disk Analysis: FTK Imager, Autopsy
RAM Analysis: Volatility Framework
Network Analysis: Wireshark, tcpdump
Timeline and Correlation: Plaso, SleuthKit
Legal Aspects
- Comply with local laws (e.g., GDPR, cybersecurity laws, Budapest Convention).
- Digital evidence must be authentic, intact, complete, and explainable.
Best Practices
- Always work on a copy of the original data.
Document every action (time, tool used, responsible person).- Use certified tools recognized by the forensic community.
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