Digital Forensics

As a specialized field within cybersecurity and computer science, digital forensics involves the systematic identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence found on computers, mobile devices, and network systems. The primary objective is to investigate incidents such as cyberattacks, data breaches, or corporate fraud by meticulously reconstructing events and identifying the responsible parties. Practitioners employ specialized techniques and software to recover information, including deleted files, system logs, and network traffic, all while adhering to a strict chain of custody to ensure the integrity and admissibility of the evidence in legal or internal proceedings.

1. Foundations of Digital Forensics
   1. Core Concepts and Principles
      1. Definition and Scope of Digital Forensics
         1. Historical Development of Digital Forensics
         2. Relationship to Other Forensic Sciences
         3. Types of Digital Forensics
            1. Computer Forensics
            2. Network Forensics
            3. Mobile Device Forensics
            4. Cloud Forensics
            5. Multimedia Forensics
            6. Database Forensics
            7. Email Forensics
            8. Internet of Things (IoT) Forensics
      2. The Role of the Digital Forensics Investigator
         1. Responsibilities and Duties
         2. Required Skills and Competencies
            1. Technical Skills
            2. Analytical Skills
            3. Communication Skills
            4. Legal Knowledge
         3. Interaction with Law Enforcement and Legal Teams
         4. Career Paths and Specializations
      3. Key Terminology
         1. Evidence
            1. Types of Digital Evidence
            2. Volatile vs. Non-Volatile Evidence
            3. Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence
            4. Best Evidence Rule
         2. Artifact
            1. Definition and Examples
            2. System Artifacts
            3. User Artifacts
            4. Application Artifacts
         3. Chain of Custody
            1. Importance in Legal Proceedings
            2. Documentation Requirements
            3. Transfer Procedures
         4. Hashing
            1. Purpose in Forensics
            2. Hash Functions
            3. Hash Verification
         5. Write Blocker
            1. Use Cases and Limitations
            2. Hardware vs. Software Write Blockers
         6. Forensic Soundness
         7. Data Integrity
         8. Metadata
         9. Slack Space
         10. Unallocated Space
      4. The Three A's of Forensics
         1. Acquire
            1. Methods of Acquisition
            2. Ensuring Data Integrity
            3. Order of Volatility
         2. Authenticate
            1. Verifying Authenticity of Evidence
            2. Digital Signatures
            3. Cryptographic Verification
         3. Analyze
            1. Techniques for Analysis
            2. Pattern Recognition
            3. Correlation Analysis
            4. Reporting Findings
   2. The Digital Forensics Process Model
      1. Identification
         1. Recognizing Potential Sources of Evidence
         2. Initial Assessment of the Scene
         3. Evidence Mapping
         4. Risk Assessment
      2. Preservation
         1. Securing the Scene
         2. Preventing Evidence Tampering
         3. Environmental Controls
         4. Power Management
      3. Collection
         1. Evidence Gathering Procedures
         2. Documentation of Collection Process
         3. Prioritization of Evidence
         4. Handling Procedures
      4. Examination
         1. Data Extraction Techniques
         2. Filtering and Sorting Data
         3. Keyword Searching
         4. File Signature Analysis
      5. Analysis
         1. Correlation of Evidence
         2. Timeline Reconstruction
         3. Hypothesis Testing
         4. Pattern Analysis
         5. Link Analysis
      6. Presentation
         1. Preparing Reports
         2. Communicating Findings to Stakeholders
         3. Visual Representation of Data
         4. Executive Summaries
   3. Legal and Ethical Considerations
      1. Rules of Evidence
         1. Admissibility
            1. Legal Standards for Admissibility
            2. Daubert Standard
            3. Frye Standard
         2. Authenticity
            1. Methods to Establish Authenticity
            2. Digital Signatures
            3. Hash Verification
         3. Reliability
            1. Ensuring Consistency and Accuracy
            2. Tool Validation
            3. Peer Review
         4. Relevance
            1. Determining Evidentiary Value
            2. Probative Value
            3. Prejudicial Effect
      2. Legal Authority and Jurisdiction
         1. Search Warrants
            1. Obtaining and Executing Warrants
            2. Scope Limitations
            3. Plain View Doctrine
         2. Subpoenas
            1. Scope and Limitations
            2. Third-Party Subpoenas
         3. Consent
            1. Voluntary Consent Procedures
            2. Scope of Consent
            3. Withdrawal of Consent
         4. Exigent Circumstances
         5. International Jurisdiction Issues
      3. Chain of Custody
         1. Purpose and Importance
         2. Documentation Procedures
            1. Chain of Custody Forms
            2. Digital Chain of Custody Tools
            3. Timestamps and Signatures
         3. Handling and Storage of Evidence
            1. Secure Storage Practices
            2. Evidence Transportation
            3. Access Controls
            4. Environmental Considerations
      4. Professional Ethics and Conduct
         1. Objectivity and Impartiality
            1. Avoiding Bias
            2. Confirmation Bias
            3. Cognitive Biases
         2. Confidentiality
            1. Protecting Sensitive Information
            2. Non-Disclosure Agreements
            3. Privacy Considerations
         3. Competence
            1. Continuing Education and Training
            2. Certification Requirements
            3. Skill Maintenance
         4. Professional Codes of Conduct
            1. Industry Standards
            2. Certification Body Requirements
      5. Privacy Laws and Regulations
         1. GDPR Compliance
         2. HIPAA Requirements
         3. Financial Privacy Laws
         4. Constitutional Protections