MYTHS ABOUT DIGITAL FORENSICS- WHAT COMPUTER FORENSIC INVESTIGATORS CANNOT DO Computer Forensic Investigators have been glorified by televisions and movies to such an extent that they are considered invincible by us. The concept of a Digital Forensic Examiner appears to be “cool� to the general public. We expect them to find a solution to every impossible issue and sort out the whole thing at the end of a case. They are usually mystified by a person in this profession and draw parallels between them and CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). Truthfully speaking there are a lot of dissimilarities between fiction and the real role of a forensic specialist but there are similarities too.
However, for our benefit and proper understanding regarding the actual duties and limitations of a forensic investigator, first need to know what exactly they are incapable of doing especially things like miraculous findings from a completely damaged SIM card that can be the ultimate missing piece of the puzzle. Here are certain misconceptions about the extent of ability of a digital investigator that are most common: All Relevant Evidence can be Recovered Discovery and retrieval of digital intelligence in case of damaged laptops, deleted files or complex encryption of data is not always possible. Neither software tools nor critical thinking can guarantee the complete recovery of evidence or data. Also, not each and every data accessed and discovered during a digital forensic examination is relevant or useful to the case. Computer forensic investigators have the complex job of recording and preserving all case materials and recovered data or privileged information to delve further into the case and branch out the investigation.
Finding Evidence takes a Minute The process of evidence recovery, management and presentation requires skills, experience and hours of work put together to build a strong case. It takes the cohesive effort of a team to put together data, proofs and observations for the effective representation of their clients. Plus investigators need to be thorough with forensic laws and regulation in order to make sure that the evidence presented is admissible in a court of law. Also, the investigators are involved in the tedious job of going through each and every aspect of the case and study it carefully in order to determine the direction of their course of action and finding the possible sources of digital forensic evidence. So it depends upon the type of case and the factors involved determining the time period required to solve it.
Miracles Happen in Every Case If you believe that every case can be neatly solved with all loose ends tied or a password protected device can be cracked and all encrypted files accessed by digital forensic examiners then it is a serious delusion. Finding information in computers and gadgets and infiltrating into someone’s personal computer, mobile phone or laptop is a complex task. You need to abide by the laws and regulations besides seeking permission in order to handle the devices and conduct searches. It requires expertise, experience and trusted methodologies to invade the depth of a case and find evidence that is beneficial to the client. It takes long hours and a systematic methodical approach to find the resolution to a legal proceeding and a great deal of collaborative effort.
They do not Follow Laws & Rules People believe that forensic examiners are not tied down by the laws and rules of the state or county. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Digital Forensic Specialists take utmost care to function in compliance with the laws of the country. Right from the process of registration to taking up a case and investigating it, they follow a series of stringent policies and laws to the word in order to act as a reliable source of investigative aid and expert witness. There are many other misapprehensions related to this field of crime solving, however, once you dispel these common ones you will have a clear understanding about the scope of the field and can appreciate it for what it really is.
Institute of Computer Foresnsic Examinations and Criminal Investigations 4360 Western Center Blvd., #304 Fort Worth 76137 Texas USA Email: daniel_james@att.net Web Site: https://www.icfeci.com/