7 Ways to Manage Digital Evidence

Modern-day crimes need modern solutions. Digital forensics tools and experts are needed for the smooth execution of the processes. The digital criminals seem too clever to be caught, as an organization cannot see them without masterful expertise. Computers and digital devices are familiar to everyone use. These devices ease the jobs by automatically making the payments, booking tickets, reserving seats, etc., making anyone and everyone tech-savvy nowadays. Digital thefts and data breaches are done at these venues mainly. So, the law enforcement agencies are in immediate need of advanced computer forensics tools to manage the evidence and solve the cases. Let us go through the practices to handle digital evidence.

File Device Condition

A digital forensics tool applies the identification process as the first step. This method’s job is to identify what evidence is present, where it is stored, and which format. Filing the device’s condition is often overlooked during the first process of forensics examination. As a cybercrime analyst, one should take pictures of the device with the files or evidence. It is essential to document its physical condition and its location.

Its dents, scratches, wetness, etc., should be noted. One should track the information in the same evidence management system as the physical device.

Apply Computer Forensics Tools & Experts

Only the experts know all the ‘hows.’ Messing with devices containing evidence may cost you much if they are not handled correctly. The cybercrime officers, IT technicians, etc., use the best and detailed practices to collect evidence. But the preservation and analysis cannot be executed by regular users. It would help if you had specific forensic skills and software to accomplish the task.

Maintain The Chain Of Custody

It is essential to file the transfer of media and digital evidence between each person and agency that came in contact with that. If you leave gaps in the documents, the evidence will be presented and admitted in court. The court and people rely more on an authoritative digital record as a chain of custody, as documented on paper.

Also, maintain physical security to keep both hardware and data safe, ensuring the proper chain of custody. During the court proceedings, a poor chain of custody can hinder the value of evidence. Even storing the device in an open access area can defy the chain.

Disrupting The Power Status Won’t Be Good

The device’s current power state should be maintained while acquiring evidence identification and collection, as long as possible. Keep it as it is, on or off. Professional forensics experts devising computer forensics tools always advise leaving the devices in their present state, as long as feasible. The power state should continue as per requirements, whether battery-powered or wired devices.

Avoid Working On The Original Data

Most of the time, data collection processes require copying readable files from media storage. Although, forensics experts collect metadata that tells about the condition of a file on the device and the device itself. Valuable metadata demonstrates the processes involved in it. If you work directly on original data, the valuable metadata may get deleted. Cybercrime professionals perform their analysis and report on virtual media copies.

Digital Isolation & Long-term Storage Is Essential

Keeping the device away from Wi-Fi and wired network connections preserves the metadata and keep it isolated. You can never know about accidents beforehand. A well-intentioned staff may accidentally overwrite metadata when they plug in a drive to copy files using conventional means for analysis. It is always safe to keep the investigation left for the forensics experts.

Modular systems can scale whether evidence retention needs space change or not. Off-site storage and on-site evidence management system can accommodate your needs.

Observe Evidence Transaction & Auditing

Many organizations do not have an in-house team to track the evidence transaction. Even a few law enforcement agencies lack evidence managers all the time. Although, evidence lockers can ease you from this process. They can monitor the transaction of evidence.

Data distribution has increased with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other newly emerged technologies. A regular check of the digital evidence management practices can help in all types of devices and digital storage forms in your possession.

Digital forensics tools and their experts are in high demand and effectively prove this fact. If you are looking for evidence management and computer forensics tools solutions, contact Paraben Corporation. Paraben Corporation is a recognized company accommodating enterprises and law enforcement agencies to catch digital thieves and present them before the jury. For more information, click the link below.