Digital forensics Facts for Kids

Digital forensics is like being a detective for computers! Experts look at digital devices to find clues and solve mysteries, especially crimes. This includes computers, phones, and other gadgets. These experts are called digital forensic analysts or investigators. When they examine a device, it's called a digital investigation.

Imagine someone is accused of a crime that involved a computer. Digital forensics helps find out what really happened. The experts search for digital clues, like files, messages, or internet history, to see if the person is responsible or innocent.

Sometimes, digital forensics helps solve disagreements between companies or people, even if no crime happened. This is called eDiscovery. Experts look at digital information to find facts for these cases.

Another important job is intrusion detection. This happens after a hacker breaks into a computer system. Digital forensic experts then investigate to figure out how the break-in happened and what the hacker did.

How Digital Forensics Works
Why Digital Forensics is Important
Images for kids
See also

How Digital Forensics Works

Digital forensic experts follow special steps to make sure the evidence they find is correct and can be used.

Collecting Digital Clues

First, they carefully collect any digital devices that might have clues. This is like a regular detective collecting fingerprints or other physical evidence. They make sure not to change anything on the device.

Making a Copy

Next, they make an exact copy of the digital device's storage, like a hard drive or phone memory. This copy is called a forensic image. They work only on this copy, so the original device is never changed. This keeps the evidence safe.

Finding Hidden Information

Digital experts use special tools to look at the forensic image. They can find files that were deleted, hidden, or even partly erased. They also look at when files were created or changed, and who used them. This helps them understand what happened.

Analyzing the Evidence

After finding clues, the experts analyze them. They connect the dots to build a story of what happened on the device. For example, they might find emails, internet searches, or photos that show important information.

Reporting the Findings

Finally, the digital forensic expert writes a report explaining what they found. They might also have to explain their findings in court. Their job is to present the facts clearly and fairly.

Why Digital Forensics is Important

Digital forensics helps solve many types of cases. It can help catch criminals, clear innocent people, and protect companies from cyber attacks. As more of our lives happen online, digital forensics becomes even more important for keeping us safe.

Images for kids

Aerial photo of FLETC, where US digital forensics standards were developed in the 1980s and '90s
A portable Tableau write-blocker attached to a hard drive
An example of an image's Exif metadata that might be used to prove its origin
Digital evidence can come in a number of forms
Private Investigator & Certified Digital Forensics Examiner imaging a hard drive in the field for forensic examination.
Mobile phones in a UK Evidence bag