Introduction

This Read Forensics Investigation with Autopsy is based on the following article:

• What is Computer Forensics?

What is computer forensics?

With the rapid advancement of technology, security and privacy concerns have become increasingly prevalent. Individuals are worried about identity theft and privacy invasion, while businesses are concerned about data breaches and hackers. Moreover, criminals are leveraging technology to commit unlawful activities. As cyber criminals become more sophisticated, the need for combating them grows. This is where forensic computer or cyber experts play a crucial role. These specialists are at the forefront of the battle against cyber threats, aiding in enhancing security measures, fighting cybercrime, and working towards a safer future. Their expertise in cyber forensics complements the field of cybersecurity, working towards mitigating risks and ensuring a more secure digital landscape.

Computer forensics careers

Computer forensic specialists play a critical role in investigating security issues, data breaches, and cyber crimes by leveraging their expertise in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, and cybersecurity. Many of these specialists are employed by law enforcement agencies due to the convergence of these fields. Their primary task involves retrieving various types of digital files, such as documents, photos, emails, from computer systems, hard drives, and other devices. They specialize in analyzing computer systems to uncover digital evidence of illegal activities, primarily working on "cyber crime" and digital cases. Additionally, computer forensics extends its focus to assisting organizations in handling network breaches. These specialists contribute by determining the cause of a breach in computer systems. Their ultimate aim is to analyze past digital breaches and hacks to learn from them, enhancing future prevention and security measures.

Computer forensics vs. cybersecurity

Computer forensics and cybersecurity may appear similar, but they have distinct focuses and responsibilities. Cybersecurity primarily concentrates on prevention, aiming to safeguard data and information by implementing security systems to keep hackers out. On the other hand, computer forensics is more reactive, centered around investigating and recovering data after a breach has occurred.

Although these fields differ in their approach, they work closely together to combat cybercrime. If a cybersecurity team's preventive measures fail, a computer forensics team steps in to identify the breach and recover any compromised data.

While both career paths share similar educational options, they entail different job responsibilities and titles. In the realm of cybersecurity, professionals can pursue various roles such as cybersecurity analysts, penetration testers, ethical hackers, cybersecurity engineers, or cybersecurity architects.

Regardless of the specific career path chosen, a degree in computer science or cybersecurity is valuable in preparing individuals for these IT roles.

Why is cyber forensics important?

The first half of 2019 witnessed a staggering number of security breaches, with over 3,800 publicly disclosed breaches and more than 4 million records exposed. The frequency of hacker attacks is alarming, with a new attack occurring every 39 seconds, and the creation of 300,000 new malware programs on a daily basis. These statistics unequivocally highlight the significant problem of security breaches in our technology-driven society. In response to this growing concern, cyber forensics has emerged as a crucial component of our defense strategy. Cyber forensics focuses on recovering from past hacking incidents and leveraging those experiences to build a more secure future.

Cyber forensics jobs

There are several job titles associated with cyber forensic work, including:

• Information security crime investigator: Collaborates with lawyers and law enforcement to search for evidence on computers, phones, or other devices as part of criminal investigations.
• Computer forensics engineer: Focuses on evaluating software and architecture to determine the cause of a breach or threat.
• Digital forensics: Refers to the analysis of data and software to uncover how a breach occurred or to search for evidence. It is synonymous with cyber or computer forensics.
• Computer forensics specialist: An entry-level position that involves conducting scans and researching breaches.
• Computer forensics analyst: Analyzes data and information to provide evidence in cybercrime cases or to understand data breaches.
• Computer forensics investigator or examiner: Examines programs and software in-depth to investigate digital breaches or hacks and aid in data recovery.
• *Computer forensics technician: Performs technical tasks related to forensics systems, such as data recovery, logging breach information, or retrieving specific data for law enforcement.

These various job titles represent different roles and responsibilities within the field of cyber forensics, each contributing to the investigation and resolution of cyber incidents.

Cyber forensic job responsibilities

In the field of computer forensics, there are six stages involved in conducting an investigation and gathering information or evidence related to cybercrime:

• Readiness: Ensuring preparedness for investigations by training personnel, understanding legal implications, planning for technical and non-technical issues, and ensuring equipment readiness.
• Evaluation: Assessing the provided information, assigning roles and resources to the team, gathering case details, and identifying investigation risks.
• Collection: Gathering evidence and learning about the cyber attack or crime, employing various tools and techniques such as interviews and obtaining devices, and securing the collected items in evidence bags for further examination in the forensics lab.
• Analysis: Analyzing the collected evidence and data to extract as much information as possible about the breach or crime, including identifying the perpetrator, timing, data loss, and digital evidence. Accuracy, documentation, unbiased analysis, and adherence to deadlines are essential.
• Presentation: Summarizing the findings of the analysis, providing recommendations to enhance security measures for companies, and delivering presentations to legal authorities requiring forensic evidence.
• Review: Conducting an evaluation of the investigation process, discussing areas of improvement for future cases, and determining strategies to enhance future investigative endeavors.

The duties of a cyber forensics expert may include conducting data breach investigations, recovering and examining data from computers and electronic devices, identifying compromised systems or networks, compiling evidence for legal cases, and preparing technical reports and declarations for trial evidence.

Computer forensic skills

There are many specific skills that a computer forensic expert will need to be successful at their job. Those include both hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills.

• Computer hardware and software
• Operating systems
• Networks
• Programming languages
• ISO standards
• COBIT and ITIL frameworks
• Cybersecurity systems and standards

Soft skills.

• Organization
• Analysis
• Communication
• Presentation
• Time management
• A cool head under pressure

Computer forensic toolkit

There are many types of programs that a computer forensic specialist will need to be familiar with in order to be successful at their job. Some of the most popular options include:

• EnCase
• SANS SIFT
• ProDiscover Forensic
• Volatility Framework
• The Sleuth Kit (+Autopsy)
• CAINE
• Xplico
• X-Ways Forensics

How much do cyber forensic analysts make?

When it comes to salary, there is usually a progression path for cyber forensic analysts. Many begin as a junior forensic analyst or specialist, move up to a senior forensic analyst, and then move to management positions. There is a wide range of job opportunities within the field. The average salary for cyber forensic analysts is over $90,000 per year. The location where you work, the years of experience you have, and your education can all greatly impact your earning potential in this field.

How to become a computer forensic analyst

To become a computer forensic analyst, the first step is to earn a degree. A bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity provides a solid foundation for entering this field. IT-related degrees offer essential knowledge and experience in areas such as security systems, programming languages, operating systems, and networks, which are crucial for success in computer forensics.

To further enhance career prospects, pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity can make one more competitive in the field. A master's degree is often required for managerial positions in the IT industry, providing opportunities for career advancement.

In addition to formal education, some employers may require specific cybersecurity or forensic certifications and training to ensure candidates have the necessary qualifications for their roles. It's advisable to communicate with potential employers to understand their expectations and requirements.

If the idea of an exciting career that involves catching criminals while working with computers appeals to you, computer forensics could be an ideal profession. WGU offers degrees designed to prepare individuals for a fascinating and rewarding career in the field of forensics.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the main differences between computer forensics and cybersecurity?

• Focus: Cybersecurity primarily focuses on preventing and mitigating security threats and attacks in real-time, aiming to protect systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and breaches. Computer forensics, on the other hand, is more concerned with investigating and analyzing incidents after they have occurred, with the goal of collecting evidence, understanding the nature of the attack, and identifying the responsible parties.
• Timeframe: Cybersecurity operates in real-time, continuously monitoring and responding to potential threats. Computer forensics, however, operates in a post-incident timeframe, analyzing data and evidence after an attack or breach has taken place.
• Approach: Cybersecurity professionals work proactively to prevent and detect threats, employing preventive measures such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and security policies. Computer forensics professionals work reactively, using forensic tools and techniques to investigate incidents, recover data, and analyze digital evidence to support legal proceedings if necessary.
• Goals: The primary goal of cybersecurity is to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data. Computer forensics aims to identify and understand the details of a security incident, determine the extent of the compromise, collect evidence, and support legal actions if required.

2. What are the six stages of a computer forensics examination?

• Readiness: Ensuring the investigator and the team are prepared for an investigation at any time, including training, understanding legal implications, planning for technical and non-technical issues, and ensuring equipment readiness.
• Evaluation: Gathering information about the investigation, assigning roles and resources to the team, obtaining details and facts about the case, and identifying risks associated with the investigation.
• Collection: Collecting evidence and obtaining information related to the cyber attack or crime. This involves using various tools and techniques, conducting interviews, acquiring hard drives and other devices, and properly sealing and documenting the evidence for further analysis.
• Analysis: Analyzing the collected evidence and data to extract information about the breach or crime. This involves identifying the perpetrator, the timeline of events, the type of data compromised, and other digital evidence. The analysis must be accurate, well-documented, unbiased, and adhere to specific deadlines.
• Presentation: Summarizing the findings of the analysis and presenting them to relevant parties. This includes providing strategies to improve security and prevent future incidents to organizations and presenting evidence in a court of law if necessary.
• Review: Conducting a review of the entire investigation process, evaluating its effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement, and determining how to enhance future investigations.