Data acquisition- Data Acquisition in Digital Forensics

January 4, 2023

The best methods for collecting data are crucial for addressing cybercrime. Cybercrime is the word used to describe crimes involving digital technology, such as computers and other networked devices. Cybercriminals unlawfully access another person’s computer or networked device, which they then use for money theft or holding data hostage for ransom.

What Does Digital Forensics Data Acquisition Entail? ​

Data acquisition refers to collecting and retrieving private information during a digital forensic examination. Data hacking and corruption are frequent components of cybercrimes. Digital forensic experts must be able to access, retrieve, and restore that data and safeguard it for future management. To do this, digital gadgets and other computer technologies are used to create a forensic picture.

Digital forensic analysts need to have received comprehensive training in data capture. They are not the only ones who need to comprehend how data acquisition functions. Data analysts, penetration testers, and ethical hackers are more IT occupations requiring data collecting expertise.

The whole firm should also be aware of the fundamentals of cybercrime, particularly the significance of refraining from entering compromised computer systems. A “citizen” who accidentally enters a digital crime scene may unintentionally destroy evidence or otherwise taint it, preventing a subsequent investigation, much as they might in a real-world crime scene. This highlights the need for cybersecurity training that includes the fundamentals of safe information technology usage, anti-phishing measures, and network security for a whole corporate operation.

Bit-stream files for disk images

In the case of cybercrime, this is the most typical form of data collection. It entails copying a disk drive, allowing for fully preserving all required evidence. FTK, SMART, and ProDiscover are a few applications used to build bit-stream disk-to-image files.

Disk-to-disk bit-stream files

Different tools may be used to construct a disk-to-disk copy when it is not feasible to make an exact duplicate of a hard drive or network. The files will stay the same even when the hard drive’s specifications can change.

logical purchase

The logical acquisition process is gathering documents directly pertinent to the case being investigated. This method is generally used when a disk or network is too big to copy.

Minimal acquisition

Ensuring all documents and evidence connected to the current inquiry have been correctly recognized is the first step. This entails appropriately inspecting the questioned device or network and speaking with those responsible for the network breach. These people could be able to explain how the alleged infringement happened and may also provide advice for your inquiry or other helpful information.

The second step is evidence preservation, which involves keeping the information in its original form for future review and analysis. The information in question should not be accessible to anybody else. You may copy, look through, and evaluate the evidence once you’ve finished these stages.

Evidence may only be examined if it is correctly categorized and stored. Digital forensic investigators can better comprehend how data destruction happened, what hacking techniques were used, and how people and organizations may avoid such intrusions in the future with the aid of accurately recognized and preserved evidence. The evidence, which is validated in the documentation process, must back up these findings. Then, all the data is compiled into a presentation that can be sent to others.

Enrol in the Security+/CEH/CISSP training course at https://www.cybercert.ca or call 416 471 4545.

Sam Fareed

Lead Instructor qualified in CISSP, CCIE, and MCT with 25 years of training experience in Toronto.