Rise of digital forensics: Meeting demands of a data-driven world

DIGITAL forensicsis the process ofidentifying, processing, analysing, and documenting digital evidence.

- By Sameera Chathuranga

Digital forensics What is digital forensics?

This processis essential for presenting evidence ina court oflaw, in accordance with a country's governing legal framework.

History of digital forensics

Digital forensics emerged in the 1980s, with early computer crime investigations conducted by agenciessuchasthe FB. In the 1990s and 2000s, the field expanded rapidly introducing tls like EnCase and addressing growing internet and mobile data concerns. Today, digital forensics encompasses cloud storage, mobile forensics, and cyberintrusion investigations. Understanding ts evolution high lights the importance of methodical and legally sound procedures.

Applications of digital forensics

Digital forensics plays.acrucal roleina wide range ofinvestigations, induding:

Criminal cases — suchas uncovering evidence of cybercrimes, conducting forensic audits, investigating drug and human trafficking, aswell as addressing terrorism and extremism.

Civil cases -indudingthe Verification of daims involvin electronically stored information (ES!) and investigations into intellectual property (IP) theft.

Corporate and internal investigations — such asinvestigating data breaches, ensuring regulatory compliance, addressing employee misconduct, detecting insider threats, and preventing data theft.

The growing demand for digital forensics

Increase in cybercrime-The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks (e.g., ransomware, phishing, data theft) continue to grow.

Widespread use of digital devices-Nearly every modern crime involves some digital footprint (phones, computers, CCTV, social media), making digital Expansion of cloud and mobile platforms-Cloud computing, smartphones, and loT devices introduce new complexities that require specialised expertise.