Digital Forensics Overview

Introduction to Cyber Attacks

• 2021 Statistics: Organizations experienced 50% more cyber attacks per week compared to 2020 (Checkpoint Research).
• Risks: Strong defense systems do not guarantee immunity from cyber attacks.
• Need for Cybersecurity Experts: Essential for gathering and analyzing digital evidence for legal proceedings.

What is Digital Forensics?

• Definition: The practice of investigating, recording, and reporting cybercrimes to prevent future attacks.
• Also Known As: Computer forensics.

Historical Context

• Origin: Began over 30 years ago in response to advanced criminal activity utilizing computers.
• Rise of Financial Crime: The 1980s saw an increase in computer-based financial crimes which initiated the growth of digital forensics.

Role of Digital Forensics Experts

• Detectives of the Digital Age: Experts gather critical clues to help law enforcement convict cybercriminals.
• Types of Crimes Addressed:
  • Computer-based human exploitation
  • Cyberterrorism
  • Cyberstalking
  • Data breaches
  • Theft of personal information
• Importance: Without digital forensics, evidence may go unnoticed or become compromised, leading to further attacks.

Branches of Digital Forensics

1. Computer Forensics: Collecting and preserving data from computers and storage devices for court evidence.
2. Network Forensics: Monitoring and analyzing network traffic to gather evidence.
3. Mobile Forensics: Retrieving data from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Market Demand and Career Prospects

• Growth Forecast: Digital forensics market expected to reach USD 20.29 billion by 2027.
• Salary Information: Average base salary for a digital forensic investigator in the U.S. is USD 65,352 (as of March 2022).
• Career Path: Ideal for those with technical skills, analytical capabilities, and a passion for criminal justice.

Building a Career in Digital Forensics

• Essentials: A solid knowledge foundation and practical skills are crucial.
• Certification: EC Council's Computer Hacking and Forensics Investigator (CHFI) certification is recommended for aspiring analysts.
  • Training: Vendor-neutral, lab-focused, ANSI-accredited program covering latest technologies (IoT, Dark Web, cloud forensics).
• Call to Action: Investigators must outsmart hackers; consider pursuing a career in digital forensics through EC Council's CHFI program.