Description: The Digital Forensic Framework is a structured approach to conducting digital forensic investigations, aimed at ensuring the integrity and validity of evidence collected in digital environments. This framework provides a series of guidelines and procedures that allow investigators to perform systematic and methodical analyses of electronic devices, networks, and computer systems. Its primary goal is to ensure that the evidence obtained is admissible in court, complying with the necessary legal and technical standards. The Digital Forensic Framework encompasses various stages, from the identification and preservation of evidence to its analysis and interpretation, and finally, the presentation of findings. This approach applies not only to cybercrimes but also to cases of fraud, harassment, and other offenses where technology plays a crucial role. The relevance of the framework lies in its ability to adapt to the rapid evolution of technology, ensuring that investigative methods remain current and effective against new challenges. In a world where digital information is increasingly prevalent, the Digital Forensic Framework becomes an essential tool for justice and security.
History: The concept of digital forensics began to take shape in the 1980s when the first cases of computer crimes started to emerge. As technology advanced, so did investigative techniques. In 1995, the term ‘digital forensics’ was popularized by the book ‘Computer Forensics: A Comprehensive Guide to the Forensic Investigation of Computer Systems’ by Eoghan Casey. Since then, multiple frameworks and standards have been developed, such as the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) digital forensics investigation model in 2006, which has influenced modern forensic practice.
Uses: The Digital Forensic Framework is primarily used in investigations of cybercrimes, such as hacking, online fraud, and the distribution of illegal content. It is also applied in cases of online harassment, intellectual property violations, and in data recovery in litigation situations. Additionally, it is used by companies to investigate internal security incidents and by government agencies for evidence collection in criminal investigations.
Examples: A practical example of the use of the Digital Forensic Framework is the investigation of the Equifax data breach in 2017, where digital forensic techniques were used to identify the source of the security breach. Another case is the forensic analysis conducted on devices of a suspect in a cyber harassment case, where messages and files were recovered that served as evidence in the trial.
