Digital Forensics

Digital forensics combines general forensics with information technology. Its goal is to investigate suspicious incidents that occur on computer systems. This means that it records, analyzes and evaluates the digital traces of cybercriminals.

The Processes after an Incident

Digital Forensics - This is what the Search for Cues in Cybercrime looks like

After the potentially relevant incident has been classified, it is examined using special analysis methods and presented in a manner appropriate to the target group.

Incident as Starting Point

The starting point for incident response is also the starting point for digital forensics. Therefore, the most important question for digital forensics is first whether the hacker is still on the network. This factor often determines how extensive the damage could be and how acute the need for action is.

Root Cause Analysis

For the search for clues, it is essential not to change anything at the digital crime scene. This is the same as in the real world. The IT specialists then try to find out whether it was a harmless attack or a targeted cyberattack. At the same time, they look for possible access points and escape routes that perpetrators could have exploited.

Reconstruction of the Course of Events

First, the cyber analysts investigate all the circumstances surrounding the security incident. This involves securing the digital fingerprint of the perpetrator. It is also necessary to reconstruct the course of events. This makes it possible to determine what sensitive data has fallen into his hands. It may be that data was not only stolen, but even altered or destroyed.

Request External Expertise

Introducing digital forensics in a company is not always easy. This is because the GDPR in particular must be taken into account. One option is to build up the necessary skills internally. Alternatively, it is possible to hire a specialist for this purpose. An external partner is usually the easiest option. After all, this is a critical and important topic for corporate security. With the help of implementation roadmaps, the necessary requirements can be met and the right products selected.

Legal Aspects

The right expertise is essential for digital forensics: Qualified employees ideally have a background in law enforcement. This way, they know which aspects are necessary for an upcoming court case. They should also specialize in digital forensics and be familiar with the most important tools. Regular training is particularly crucial in this regard.

Documentation Requirement

The regulatory documentation obligation is particularly important - it should not be neglected under any circumstances. This affects all incidents that occur in the company with regard to IT security.

Industries

Certificates

Incident as Starting Point

Forensics as Part of Incident Response Management

Incident response is an important part of any business. It is an organized approach to minimize the damage caused by IT incidents. With the guidelines in place, security breaches are fewer and recovery times are shorter. The basis for this is an elaborated Incident Response Plan, which takes effect in case of doubt.

Added Value

This is what IT Forensics is For

Digital forensics, also called computer forensics, is used to investigate suspicious incidents. According to the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security), such an investigation is part of emergency management within a company. To ensure that digital forensics can be carried out properly, it is made up of three phases:

Immediate action: Digital forensics investigates cyber incidents. To limit the immediate damage, emergency management should also have a well thought-out incident response plan.
Recovery: While digital forensics investigates the incidents, an emergency operation is initiated. It is intended to limit consequential damage and minimize time pressure during recovery.
Recovery: The final step is to restore normal operation. This involves eliminating all the effects of the incident.

Methods

These are the most Important Skills for Digital Forensics

Different tools can be used for digital forensics. Reverse engineering of malicious files or malware is common, where digital documents are searched for unwanted infections. The most important tools include:

Reverse Engineering: In reverse engineering, software is made readable again for humans. In this way, software and its functions can be better analyzed.
Log Analysis: Logs are examined according to certain criteria in order to obtain clues or knowledge of the target system.
Threat Intelligence Databases: It is important to know the sources and types of attacks. With this knowledge, risks can be better understood.