Digital Forensics and Computer Crime
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Forensic and National Security Studies course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Digital Forensics #
Digital Forensics
Digital forensics is the process of uncovering and interpreting electronic data… #
It involves the recovery, analysis, and presentation of data stored on electronic devices. Digital forensics is crucial in investigating computer-related crimes and incidents.
Computer Crime #
Computer Crime
Computer crime refers to any criminal activity that involves a computer and a ne… #
This includes hacking, malware distribution, identity theft, fraud, and other illicit activities carried out using computers. Computer crime poses a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and governments.
Acquisition #
Acquisition
Acquisition in digital forensics refers to the process of obtaining a forensic i… #
This involves creating a bit-by-bit copy of the original data without altering the original evidence. The acquired data is then analyzed to extract relevant information.
Analysis #
Analysis
Analysis is a crucial phase in digital forensics where investigators examine the… #
This involves searching for relevant information, identifying patterns, and interpreting the findings. Analysis helps in understanding the context of the digital evidence.
Authentication #
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the integrity and origin of digital e… #
It ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered in any way. Authentication is essential to establish the credibility of digital evidence in court.
Chain of Custody #
Chain of Custody
Chain of custody is a documented record that tracks the handling of digital evid… #
This record ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with and maintains its integrity throughout the investigation.
Cloud Forensics #
Cloud Forensics
Cloud forensics is the process of investigating digital evidence stored in cloud… #
This includes analyzing data stored on cloud servers, virtual machines, and other cloud-based services. Cloud forensics presents unique challenges due to the dynamic nature of cloud environments.
Cybercrime #
Cybercrime
Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that are carried out using computers an… #
This includes hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cyberattacks. Cybercrime poses a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and national security.
Data Recovery #
Data Recovery
Data recovery is the process of retrieving lost or deleted data from storage dev… #
This is important in digital forensics investigations where deleted data may contain valuable evidence. Data recovery techniques are used to recover data that has been intentionally or accidentally deleted.
Deleted File Recovery #
Deleted File Recovery
Deleted file recovery is a data recovery technique used to recover files that ha… #
When a file is deleted, it is not immediately removed from the storage media but marked as available space. Deleted file recovery can help in recovering valuable evidence.
Encryption #
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unau… #
Encrypted data can only be accessed by individuals with the encryption key. Encryption is used to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.
Forensic Image #
Forensic Image
A forensic image is a bit #
by-bit copy of a storage device or digital media created during the acquisition phase of digital forensics. The forensic image is an exact replica of the original data and is used for analysis without altering the original evidence. Forensic images ensure the integrity of digital evidence.
Incident Response #
Incident Response
Incident response is the process of responding to and managing cybersecurity inc… #
This includes identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from security breaches. Incident response teams play a crucial role in minimizing the impact of cyber incidents.
Internet of Things (IoT) Forensics #
Internet of Things (IoT) Forensics
IoT forensics is the process of investigating digital evidence generated by inte… #
This includes analyzing data from smart devices, wearables, and other IoT devices. IoT forensics presents unique challenges due to the diversity of IoT technologies.
Live Forensics #
Live Forensics
Live forensics is the process of collecting and analyzing digital evidence from… #
This involves examining volatile data, such as processes, memory, and network connections. Live forensics allows investigators to gather real-time information from a system.
Malware Analysis #
Malware Analysis
Malware analysis is the process of dissecting malicious software to understand i… #
This involves examining the code, behavior, and communication of malware to identify its purpose and potential threats. Malware analysis is crucial in investigating cyberattacks.
Mobile Forensics #
Mobile Forensics
Mobile forensics is the process of extracting and analyzing digital evidence fro… #
This includes recovering data from device storage, applications, and communication logs. Mobile forensics is essential in investigating crimes involving mobile devices.
Network Forensics #
Network Forensics
Network forensics is the process of investigating network traffic to uncover evi… #
This involves monitoring and analyzing network packets, logs, and traffic patterns to identify malicious activities. Network forensics helps in detecting and responding to network-based threats.
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) #
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the collection and analysis of publicly avai… #
OSINT provides valuable insights for digital forensics investigations and threat intelligence. OSINT tools and techniques are used to gather intelligence on individuals, organizations, and threats.
Rootkit #
Rootkit
A rootkit is a type of malicious software that provides unauthorized access to a… #
Rootkits are used by attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. Detecting and removing rootkits is essential in cybersecurity investigations.
Steganography #
Steganography
Steganography is the practice of concealing messages or data within other non #
secret data, such as images, audio files, or text. This covert communication technique allows individuals to hide sensitive information from unauthorized users. Steganography is used in cybersecurity for covert data transmission.
Volatile Data #
Volatile Data
Volatile data refers to temporary data stored in a computer's memory (RAM) that… #
Volatile data includes running processes, network connections, and system settings. Collecting and analyzing volatile data is crucial in live forensics investigations.
Write Blocker #
Write Blocker
A write blocker is a hardware or software device used to prevent the alteration… #
Write blockers ensure that the original evidence remains intact and is not contaminated during the forensic imaging process.
Zero #
Day Vulnerability
A zero #
day vulnerability is a software security flaw that is unknown to the vendor and has not been patched. Zero-day vulnerabilities are exploited by attackers to carry out cyberattacks before a patch or security update is available. Detecting and mitigating zero-day vulnerabilities is critical for cybersecurity.