Not only have you entered the computer forensics labyrinth, but it’s also a confusing field. It’s okay, you are not alone. Some are confused by the many twists. Isn’t it like trying to pick needles out of an electronic haystack? As you sit in front of your computer, you scratch your head and wonder, “Where even do I begin?” Join us in removing this mess. Let’s read more about Computer Forensics for Dummies.
You can think of computer forensics in terms of a digital investigator’s toolkit. As Sherlock Holmes would say, the goal is to find hidden clues. Imagine you are given an entire computer filled with clues. Your job? The puzzle is so complex that it’s like a Rubik’s Cube.
Let’s talk data first. The data you need is what will make this job a success. Data is your bread and butter. You will dig through email messages, browse histories, even the corners and crannies in a computer’s hard drive. Imagine going through an attic with boxes of old photos and photo albums to look for the right picture. The right tools are needed – akin in function to a virtual magnifying glass to help you find the nuggets.
You should not believe everything you hear. There’s nothing easy about it. It’s not easy. Unexpectedly, another level of encryption is discovered or the file has been deleted. This will require special software. Like a Swiss Army Knife for your digital files.
You may be asking yourself, which ones are they? EnCase tools and FTK software are the equivalent of magic wands. These can sniff out data hidden in files like bloodhounds, recover lost documents, or break encryption. The data will be revealed with abracadabra when you wave these devices around.
If you have ever cooked in someone’s kitchen, and discovered that their spice rack has been thrown out of balance, this is what it feels like. This is how you feel when you open a suspicious computer for the very first time. There’s no way to tell what is where. You should create a copy of the system. Consider it cloning, only cooler. You can leave the original intact, protecting the evidence, and then go wild on the copied version.
Digital clues are often rabbit holes. When you find an old diaries, do you think, “Whoa this is juicy!” It’s a secret code. The same goes for encrypted files. While they yell for attention, encrypted files will not give up any secrets. TrueCrypt is a great tool to use if you aren’t Alfred Pennyworth.
But what is a detective if he doesn’t tell stories? Forensic reports on computers must be precise. Imagine telling the story of the incident, describing suspects, evidence, and scene. Your audience? It could be a courtroom. Be professional and engaging. Imagine Perry Mason mingling with a techno-geek.
It’s not just about the reports. Imagine explaining to grandma how her old-fashioned typewriter doesn’t work on the internet. Yeah, challenging! Sometimes you have to use layman’s language when explaining complex technology. Making it relatable is key. This is what you might say: “Finding these data was a lot like tracking mud across pristine carpets.” The process is simple.
Don’t forget about the legal landmines. Working with digital evidence requires some skill. Unintentional mistakes can ruin evidence and render it inadmissible. You must have an established chain of responsibility. You can think of this as a relay in which each baton transfer must be impeccable. It’s possible that the evidence will be dismissed if something goes wrong. Ouch.
We’ll reminisce a bit before we sign off. You may remember when you played hide and seek. You’ll feel the same way, but with much greater stakes. You’re on a roller coaster.
Are you prepared to plunge in? You should always remember that each byte contains a narrative. Take off your digital detective cap and your virtual magnifyingglass, then begin the adventure of computer forensics. A wild ride but well worth it.