Nowadays, technological advancements are pivotal for the development of human capital and organization’s resources, in order for them to remain competitive in the fast changing world. However, with this growth of computers, the internet, and mobile technology, organizations are tackled with hazards of cybersecurity instances, and other computer incidents. In addition, computer incidents are of a different nature, involving criminal activities which could potentially lead organizations and individuals to confront the rule of law.
Thus, this is why the term ‘Computer Forensics’ rolls in the modern technological world, efficiently engaging authorities whose purpose is to research and investigate criminal activities of organizations and individuals that are not in compliance with the rule of law. The recent cybercrime report of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) displays the most common computer incidents in 2016, which are related to the attacks of computer hardware and software, and other criminal activities such as money laundering, payment cards, counterfeit security documents and phishing frauds. In fact, Gartner Inc., one of the leading internet research companies, report that by 2020, 60% of businesses will suffer due to the inability of IT teams, which impacts quite a big number of public, private and government businesses.
“The cyber insurance market—mainly a U.S. market—has grown from $1 billion to $2.5 billion over the past two years, and it is expected to grow dramatically and expand globally over the next five years.”
What is Computer Forensics?
The term Computer Forensics often refers to the conservancy, recuperation, and examination of information present on a PC hard drive, in a way so that the confirmation it produces can be utilized as a part of a criminal proof in court. In this case, criminal evidence incorporates any beforehand erased information which can be recouped utilizing PC crime scene investigation devices and systems. Computer forensics has made available for organizations and individuals to extract required data as a form of evidence for the courtroom needs.
Sure enough, the presence of digital evidence is a powerful tool for authorities to investigate criminal activities that may harm organizations or individuals. Duly, computer forensics entails comprehensive technological methodologies such as file operating systems, network systems, encryption technology, criminal science, law and information security systems which facilitate the process of cybercrime investigations.
How do Computer Forensic processes work?
The contents of computer forensics research are based on each process of the computer forensics processing steps for corresponding research, which include evidence identification, acquisition, analysis, presentation, and recording, etc.
Acquisition – includes the process of physically or remotely obtaining the computer and all other connected devices of the computer.
Authentication- is the process of guaranteeing that the proofs have not been modified during the acquisition procedure.
Analysis – is the process of a profound analysis of details from the investigator.
Evaluation – in computer forensics encompasses the method of evaluating the available information, in a way that is readable and comprehensible for legitimate authorities in the court.
Why is Computer Forensics important for your organization?
Computer and cyber security incidents are the most common features of technologic activities which come about in an organization. In the recent Global Economic Crime Survey 2016, cybercrimes and computer incidents within an organization take the lead in the top types of economic crimes, where 62% of security professionals have reported an increase in the number of insider threats in organizations over 2015-2016. As a result, computer and cyber security incidents are considered to be the most dangerous actions for the business continuity of an organization.
Therefore, preparing your organization for the possibility of a legal examination should be part of any security incident and reaction arrangement plan. A computer forensics investigation in an organization is a proficient mechanism to allow organizations’ to spare time and money. On that note, in order for the organization to keep its business on track in the face-pace digital world, it is important to; provide its staff with the proper computer forensics training, access a strategic framework that is capable to identify potential actions occurring; and have well-trained resources available in cases where such incidents arise.
In addition, establishing computer forensics is a prerequisite and a valuable tool for preventing cyber-crime and computer incidents activities, while also downsizing the chance of immense financial impacts and damages.
Conclusion
The continual improvement of technology continues to be essential for organizations’ further advancements in today’s modern world, however, together with these advancements come vulnerabilities. The possibility of organizations encountering computer incidents, employee mismanagement of resources, cyberattacks, and cybercrime cases, increases. To that end, organizations should project a response plan to repel computer incidents and cybercrimes, while preparing its staff with computer forensic skills to mitigate any major damage.
PECB portfolio of Computer Forensics provides training courses that will assist you in learning the key concepts and practices involved in computer forensics processes. PECB offers training courses that allow you to choose the one that is right for you such as; Computer Forensics Introduction, Computer Forensics Foundation, and Computer Lead Forensics Examiner Training Course.
Author
Kushtrim Cernobregu is a Portfolio Marketing Manager for IT Security at PECB. He is in charge of conducting market research while developing and providing information related to IT Security Standards. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: marketing.itsec@pecb.com.
Contributor
Shahbaz Ali Zafar, Head of the IT Department at QualityAim, has more than 18 years of hands-on experience in IT, which encompasses Security, Servers, enterprise class Storage devices, Cloud computing, Operations Management, and Budgeting. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact him: Shahbaz.Zafar@gmail.com.
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