Computer Forensics in Law Enforcement

Abstract

This research paper entails a detailed search on computer forensics in law enforcement. This research paper explains the benefits of computer forensics along with the dilemma that law enforcement agencies can face. It also explains the research challenged posed by computer forensics which is the major landscape.

Table of Content

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion5

Advantages of Computer Forensics6

Disadvantages of Computer Forensics7

Today's Research Challenges7

Evidence-oriented design7

The Visibility, Filter and Report Model9

Reverse Engineering Complexity10

Monolithic Applications11

Academic Research Lost11

Conclusion12

References13

Computer Forensics in Law Enforcement

Introduction

Computer forensics is an application of disciplined investigative techniques in the digital world and used for search, analysis, and discovery of potential evidences. It is a new methodology utilized in investigating and analyzing data that is maintained or stored on electronic storage devices. These data retrieved are used for presenting it in a court of law, for civil or administrative proceedings. Evidences are gathered in case of cyber crime, computer crime, or cases of misuse. Computer forensics is swiftly being adopted as a science that is recognized at par along with other forensic science by the law enforcement and other legal communities. It becomes imperative with this introduction of technology to handle and scrutinize evidences generated from computer substantially. It is evident that every organization or department does not have resources for hiring trained computer forensic professional on staff (Solomon, Barrett & Broom, 2005).

Computer evidence is playing an imperative role and has become a fact of life for all legal and law enforcing agencies. Many agencies are now indulging in exploring options in dealing with the new venue. The computer has played an imperative role in changing the world, the means of conducting business, searching information, and trade. Overnight means of conducting business change all over the world. The invention of the computer has also changed the view of evidence across the world, since computers are used more as a vital tool in the commission of crimes. There are many cases where evidences have been found on personal computers related to murder, theft, fraud, and extortion (Bassett, & O'Brien, 2006).

Computer forensics includes the extraction, preservation, identification, interpretation and documentation of computer media for evidentiary or analysis of root cause. The activities are performed in the course of a computer forensic investigation of the attack on recourses of a computer. Evidences are the basis for the investigation of any crime or misuse of the computer.

There are numerous methods of

Monitoring live activities

Exploring and discovering data on computer

Recovery of files that are deleted, damaged, or encrypted

Detection of violation of policy of an organization

Discussion

There is increasing significance of computer forensics for the legal and law enforcement agencies, since computers and the internet are the technology being vitally used for criminal purposes. White collar crimes and cyber crimes are increasing and are significantly profitable since they are crimes that do not involve any violence. A research demonstrated that cyber crime is most lucrative and reported to have yielded more income in U.S than income from illegal drugs. It involves a lower risk of criminal getting caught, in ...