Computer forensics is viewed as a practice of identifying, extracting, and considering evidence from digital media like mobile phones, computers, hard drives, and so much more. The term forensics literally means using some sort of established scientific process to collect, analyze, and present the evidence collected. However, all forms of evidence are essential, especially when a Cyber-attack has occurred. Its main goal is to examine digital media in a forensically sound manner to identify, preserve, recover, analyze, and present facts and opinions about the digital information. Its concept consists of four necessary steps and is constant at the same time, regardless of the technology used or specific case. The main aim of the field of computer forensics is to perform crime investigations through the use of evidence obtained from digital data to ascertain responsibility for the crimes. Computer forensic scientists require solutions that effectively capture relevant data, support an ongoing investigation, in the course of the inquiry, and feature sophisticated technical analysis capabilities for finding buried, hidden, or even tricky to locate digital data.
There are many steps to a forensic investigation. They include; Recognizing the need: Identify the problem here. Generally speaking, a property or casualty event has occurred, and its root cause needs to be determined so responsibility can be established, and similar incidents can be prevented. Then define the problem: This second step is where an action plan is developed to remedy the situation. Simply put, an investigation commences with planned steps needed to solve the established problem. Again Collect data: It is critical here that all available data be collected before the data analyzation and hypothesis development. Any premature analyzation and hypothesis development could bias the end result. Then Analyze the data: During this step, the collected data is cognitively analyzed using the education, training, experience, and expertise of the team doing the analysis. After that, Develop a hypothesis: Here, the known facts and evidence are considered to develop potential ideas. It is not uncommon for multiple views to be considered initially, each with their own measure of possibility. At this point, having all of the data available is critical for all options to be established for consideration. Then test the hypotheses: the hypotheses developed each has to be considered against all known facts and evidence. Physical testing can also be done to gain additional data for consideration to support or exclude the development of one or more hypotheses. Finally, Select the final idea: when all assumptions have been evaluated and tested. Often only a single idea remains and is identified as the root cause of an event.