Exploring the Inextricable Link Between Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity

Cybercrime grows in scope and complexity as technology becomes more widely used worldwide. Businesses are being targeted by cybercriminals more than ever before, and it is anticipated that the yearly cost of ransomware will be over $265 billion by 2031.

A VPN is a basic need in today’s digital landscape to have some security online. However, not only does this rapid growth illustrate the importance of securing the cyber world, but also that in the event of a cyber incident, knowledge of digital forensics is critical to halt, discourage, and punish offenders.

Defining digital forensics

In a corporate context, the computer used to be the sole server. A computer is now present in all facets of daily life. Computers can be found in smartwatches, smartphones, CCTV systems, and even smart home systems. Industry can only progress once digital technology is integrated into its processes. Within a connected world, utilizing a free VPN on our devices is the first step in protecting our privacy. Moreover, the Internet of Things has allowed numerous consumer systems to communicate with one another. 

“Computer forensics” was first used to describe investigating computer-related crimes. Cliff Stoll at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invented the first honeypot trap in 1986, and the FBI began the first computer forensics program in 1984. Computer forensics became popular as a profession, primarily to combat the spread of child pornography. 

As a result, the phrase “digital forensics” came to refer to any piece of equipment that stores digital data. Forensics is commonly associated with the investigation of any crime scene. Following a theft, for example, the crime scene is searched for fingerprints and other evidence that could lead to DNA evidence. A device becomes the crime scene with digital forensics. The investigator attempts to determine who accessed it, what was stored on it, what could have been removed, and so on.

How is digital forensics and cyber security related?

Digital forensics and cybersecurity are inextricably linked. Cybersecurity would only be effective with the information provided by digital forensics. Cybersecurity uses information discovered by digital forensics in various circumstances to develop methods to prevent digital forensic investigations; cybersecurity is proactive.

In a similar vein, digital forensics exists as a result of failed or ineffective cybersecurity initiatives. Understanding both and how they interact is critical for protecting your information.

If you use technology, you should be familiar with and comprehend digital forensics and cyber security. Whether you’re dealing with computers, tablets, or mobile phones, digital forensics and cyber security are concerned with keeping emails, messages, and accounts private.

Integrating digital forensics with cybersecurity

Regarding how digital forensics has influenced cyber security, antivirus software may be one of the most significant benefits. Digital forensics has discovered how viruses enter a device or network; a hacker often introduces a virus by sending a malicious email or file. With this information, antivirus software can pay extra attention to incoming emails and files.

Similarly, software-generated from digital forensic data can detect spyware and malware and, in most cases, eliminate them before any data is exploited or erased.

Moreover, digital forensics has discovered crucial information, allowing cyber security firms to design technologies that prevent hackers from accessing a network or device. Hackers are proficient at infiltrating a person’s or a business’s device or network. Still, digital forensics has gathered data that cyber security may utilize to prevent hackers from entering a device or network.

Cyber security technology can detect relevant data to safeguard. It can constantly scan networks to ensure no outside parties are present based on trends discovered in how hackers and hijackers steal, discard, or exploit information.

Following a digital forensics procedure

A digital forensics procedure is divided into five stages: 

Identification 

The scope of an investigation is established during this stage, as are the goals and objectives that must be reached. The inquiry will be guided by identifying the evidence that needs to be collected and the equipment employed. 

Preservation

Efforts are made to preserve as much digital evidence as possible on the impacted network. Typically, preservation takes the form of an image backup file. We must use imaging software that employs “write blockers” to ensure the forensic examiner leaves no extra digital footprints. 

Analysis

Data and digital artifacts are collected, analyzed, and pieced together throughout the investigation to determine what happened during the cyber assault. Forensic investigators delve into the incident to compile a timeline of events. 

Documentation

All evidence relevant to cybercrime is gathered and recorded at this stage. The documentation only includes essential facts required to make an accurate decision. The results will be professionally prepared for presentation in a court of law. 

Presentation

The most critical step in an investigation is the presentation. Forensic investigators will explain what happened during the attack and present their results in a way everyone can understand. This is significant because the findings may be used for internal corporate investigations following the cyber assault.  

Wrapping up

It’s critical to remember how digital forensics and cyber security work together to protect individual online identities and personal information. Every day, digital forensics improves cyber security, and the opportunities for further advancement are limitless. Using the information revealed by digital forensics to your advantage has always been challenging, and the rewards could eventually save your online presence or business.