Cybercrimes target computer systems and networks to steal information, cause damage, or spread malware. These crimes include ransomware attacks, automotive hacking, extortion schemes, and identity fraud. One of the most significant effects is on businesses and individuals, with data breaches, ransomware attacks, malware stealing information, and online fraud taking a toll economically.
Detection
Millions of bits of information, ranging from the most minor and least essential to sensitive data encoding specifics of stock market trading and international money transfers, are transferred daily over wired and wireless networks. These data bits are at risk of being stolen by cybercriminals for profit or used to create political agitations and blackmail individuals and corporations. In addition to stealing and distributing sensitive data, cybercriminals can also shut down the operations of businesses and government agencies. The consequences of these attacks range from the loss of a few dollars to massive losses in monetary terms for victims. No matter how much damage is done, every cybercrime leaves traces experienced investigators can find and follow, even if the offenders try to hide their tracks.
Digital forensic companies specialize in uncovering and using these clues to bring criminals to justice. For example, the team at Blackhawk Intelligence works closely with businesses to discover a trail that cybercriminals leave behind, no matter how well they try to conceal it. These experts can work to unearth and extract digital evidence from hardware, software, network logs, servers, cloud storage, mobile devices, and more. In addition to recovering and analyzing this data, they can provide expert testimony in court proceedings and join forces with law enforcement and legal organizations when necessary.
Analysis
Detectives need to figure out how to find cybercriminals since they are always coming up with new methods and instruments to cover their tracks. To do so, they must thoroughly analyze the evidence and determine how it relates to the investigated crime. Digital forensic companies can assist with the analysis process by providing detailed reports that include demonstrative material (e.g., figures, graphs, tools outputs), chain of custody documentation, and an explanation of the unique constraints in the collection and examination processes for a particular case. In addition, they can help investigators understand how evidence can be used in court and advise them on how to proceed when there are unique or unanticipated issues.
The nature of cybercrime requires the involvement of multiple agencies to investigate and prosecute it. Cybercriminals operate across jurisdictions and time zones, making it difficult for law enforcement to track the perpetrators. To combat this, INL promotes international law enforcement cooperation and capacity building to disrupt and dismantle transnational cybercriminal networks. Profit-driven cybercrimes such as ransomware attacks and attempts to steal private information or corporate data for resale can devastate individuals and businesses. In addition, terrorists and other violent criminal groups use the internet to spread malware and illegal materials to incite political agitation or violence, and cybercriminals are using cloud storage systems to store data they can access at any time.
Representation
As modern devices collect data on all aspects of our lives, the need for computer forensics has become crucial. This process is reactive, meaning it kicks in after an incident — unlike cybersecurity measures that must be in place to prevent incidents from occurring. To identify, process, and preserve evidence, digital forensic companies use various tools. They also use specialized knowledge and protocols to help uncover the information hidden within the data. This evidence can help solve cyber crimes like data breaches and identity theft. It can also be used in civil or criminal legal cases, such as e-discovery (electronic discovery). Analyzing structured data involves combing through troves of information to arrive at usable evidence. It’s relevant in the financial crime space, where a digital forensic company can analyze and capture network traffic to spot patterns of fraudulent activity.
Reporting
Regarding cybercrime, digital forensics can help you understand what happened during an attack, who the attackers were, and the impact on your business. In addition, these experts can help you determine how to prevent future attacks by analyzing your data and providing recommendations. Digital forensics uses scientific processes to examine data for information related to cyberattacks. This process can include a variety of methods and tools to recover data from computers, mobile phones, drones, motor vehicles, and more. For example, investigators can use specialized software to access files that are otherwise inaccessible or destroyed.
Additionally, they can capture and secure data reliably so that it cannot be altered. This information is then used to create a narrative that explains the attack and may identify suspects or culprits. It may also contain recommendations for thwarting future attacks and is shared with law enforcement, insurers, or regulators. Computer forensics is needed more than ever. However, not all agencies have the expertise required to perform these investigations. 52% of agency managers reported that they believe their officers must have the proper IT/tech skills to handle digital forensics investigations.