Computer Forensics: An Essential Ingredient for Cyber Security

Abstract

Computer forensics uses computer investigation and analysis
techniques to collect evidence regarding what happened on a computer
that is admissible in a court of law. Computer forensics requires a well-
balanced combination of technical skills, legal acumen, and ethical conduct.
Computer forensics specialists use powerful software tools to uncover data
to be sorted through, and then must figure out the important facts and how
to properly present them in a court of law. Cyber crime rates are accelerating
and computer forensics is the crucial discipline that has the power to
impede the progress of these cyber criminals.
Computer forensics is defined by SearchSecurity.com as “the
application of computer investigation and analysis techniques to gather
evidence suitable for presentation in a court of law” (2005). The goal of
computer forensics is to carry out a structured investigation while
documenting a chain of evidence to discover exactly what happened on a
computer and who was responsible for it. The main priority of computer
forensics is accuracy. Forensic practitioners must follow strict guidelines
and maintain the highest standards of work ethic to achieve accuracy
because emphasis must be on evidential integrity and security (The DIBS
Group, 2004).