Description: Digital analysis, in the forensic context, refers to the methodical examination of digital evidence with the aim of extracting useful information that can be used in legal or administrative investigations. This process involves the recovery, preservation, and analysis of data stored on electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, servers, and other digital media. The importance of digital analysis lies in its ability to provide concrete evidence in cases of cybercrime, fraud, security breaches, and other technology-related incidents. Digital forensics experts use specialized tools and techniques to ensure that evidence is handled properly, avoiding alteration or loss of data. This field combines knowledge of computer science, law, and criminology, making it an essential multidisciplinary discipline in today’s digital age. As technology advances, digital analysis becomes increasingly relevant, as the amount of data generated and stored on electronic devices continues to grow exponentially.
History: Digital forensics began to take shape in the 1980s when the first cases of computer crimes started to emerge. One significant milestone was the development of data recovery and analysis tools that allowed investigators to access information stored on electronic devices. In 1995, the term ‘digital forensics’ was first coined by Dr. Eoghan Casey, who significantly contributed to the formalization of this discipline. Over the years, digital analysis has evolved with technological advancements, adapting to new types of devices and operating systems, as well as to the growing cyber threats.
Uses: Digital analysis is used in a variety of contexts, including criminal investigations, security audits, and analysis of cybersecurity incidents. It is also essential in data recovery cases, as well as in the investigation of fraud and financial crimes. Additionally, it is applied in the corporate sector to ensure compliance with regulations and information security policies.
Examples: A notable example of digital forensics analysis is the investigation of the hacking of the 2016 presidential campaign in the United States, where digital analysis techniques were used to trace the origin of the attacks. Another case is the recovery of data from an employee’s devices suspected of fraud in a company, where emails and documents were extracted that served as evidence in the trial.
