What is Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity?

Considered as a branch of cybersecurity, Digital forensics or digital forensic science focuses on both recovery and investigation of any material found in digital devices involved in cybercrime, criminal investigation, data breaches, intellectual property theft, frauds and etc. Mainly has 4 types – Computer, Mobile, Network and Email Forensics.

The term was originally used as synonyms for computer forensics, but has now expanded to cover investigation of a wider range of devices with data.

What is Digital Forensics used for?

Usually after a cyber-attack, digital forensics gathers electronic evidence, assets, and data from these digital devices, systems, or the internet. Many security experts also utilize it to retrieve and analyze this information following a step-by-step process. Mainly used for:

• Identifying the exact cause and reason behind a cyberattack
• Containment and rectification of the attacks
• Reserving any digital evidence before its vulnerability gets exploits
• Tracing the hacker’s footprints and uncovering tools used
• Concluding if and what data was read or stolen
• Tracking the Hacker’s login activities to trace their origin

Digital Forensics is not a one person undertaking – it requires technical expertise, investigative skills and even legal understanding to collect, analyze, and document this digital evidence.