computer forensic investigation tools (part 1)

Let us take a look at computer forensic investigation tools. There are many tools of the Trade, in computer forensics. Some of which are software-based and some are hardware-based.

Many of the computer forensic investigation tools exist in the form of a suite. Computer forensic investigation tools have a comprehensive set of features that cover all the needs throughout a case. The features include abilities to acquire and process data, conduct searches, and generate reports.

EnCase by Guidance software is an example of a forensic investigation tools suite.

Other software tools provide a particular feature that the computer forensic investigation toolS’ suit sometimes does not offer. Depending on the essence of your case, sometimes you might need specialized software tools other than the software suite. Imagine the case that you have to retreat a hidden text in a picture file. So standard forensic tools wouldn’t be able to do it. Therefore, you need specialized forensic tools called steganography tools.

SPECIAL HARDWARE NEEDS FOR COMPUTER FORENSIC INVESTIGATION TOOLS

Processing power
memory size
disk space

The more processing power you have, the bigger the memory size and disk space you’ll need.

Also, computer forensic investigation tools’ work stations often feature extra bays and ports.

In addition to the computer forensics work stations, you need some special equipment. One of them is a write blocker to prevent an operating system from writing over an evidence drive.

There are also software write blockers out there but hardware writes blockers are preferred.

Another computer forensic investigation tool that you will need is a large-capacity storage device. Most evidence drives are large-capacity drives especially these days where the sizes of storage devices are increasing.

Therefore to be an effective computer forensics investigator you need to possess all the necessary computer forensic investigation tools.

There are several legal consequences to take note of as a computer forensics investigator. If you are not careful enough in conducting, the evidence could be thrown out of court. Or you could get in some legal trouble.

The fourth amendment

The fourth amendment is one of the most crucial things to consider in the context of public investigation. It protects you against unauthorized search and CISO. Therefore, it is important for a computer forensics investigator to obtain a warrant. It takes place by putting together a document called an affidavit to justify your warrant.

On the other hand, the fourth amendment is not an issue in private investigating. That is because the investigation would be driven by internal policies and not the statutes of the law.

You must ensure the reproducibility and the verifiability of your evidence, so the court accepts it. You can accomplish this by following systematic procedures in your computer forensics investigation when you are collecting and analyzing your data. For example, the use of the chain of custody forms and evidence containers is critical. Especially when you’re trying to make sure there is little chance of tampering. Therefore, your safety would be guaranteed while using computer forensic investigation tools.

One way of reassuring the verifiability is by using a hash utility. For example, you have data on an original storage device or evidence drive. If it somehow produces a hash value A and you make a copy. Then if the copy produces a hash value B, and A, and B get matched together, the validity is verified.

You can use hashing to ensure reproducibility as well. Reproducibility is proven if you can generate the same hash value over and over again as long as the file and the tool are the same.

The way you conduct computer forensic investigation tools may have a notable legal impact. Therefore, it is essential to follow the best practices to avoid unintended consequences.