Cybersecurity
Digital Forensics
Definition
Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science encompassing the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crime.
Why It Matters
After a security incident, digital forensics is crucial for understanding what happened. It helps to determine the source of the attack, the extent of the damage, and what data was stolen. This information is vital for recovery, legal action, and preventing future incidents.
Contextual Example
After a company experiences a data breach, a digital forensics team is brought in. They create a bit-for-bit copy of the compromised server's hard drive and analyze it to find the attacker's footprints, identify the malware used, and determine which files were accessed.
Common Misunderstandings
- A key principle of digital forensics is to preserve the evidence in its original state and work only on a copy.
- It is a key part of the incident response process.