Description: A Forensic Timeline is a chronological representation of events based on digital evidence. This concept is fundamental in the field of digital forensics, as it allows investigators to organize and clearly visualize the events that have occurred on a system or device over time. The timeline is constructed from data extracted from various electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones, and servers, and can include information about file accesses, modifications, deletions, and other relevant activities. The graphical representation of these events helps identify patterns, correlations, and sequences that can be crucial for understanding an incident or criminal activity. Furthermore, the forensic timeline is not only useful for criminal investigations but also in security auditing contexts, where the aim is to understand how a security breach or data loss incident occurred. In summary, the Forensic Timeline is an essential tool that facilitates the interpretation of digital evidence and supports informed decision-making in complex investigations.
History: The forensic timeline has evolved with the development of digital technology and the need to investigate cyber crimes. Although the concept of chronology in investigations is not new, its specific application in the field of digital forensics began to take shape in the 1990s, with the rise of personal computing and an increase in technology-related crimes. As forensic analysis tools became more sophisticated, so did the techniques for creating accurate and detailed timelines. In 2001, the book ‘Computer Forensics: Principles and Practices’ by Linda Volonino and Reynaldo Anzaldua highlighted the importance of timelines in forensic investigation, marking a milestone in its formalization as an analytical tool.
Uses: Forensic timelines are primarily used in criminal investigations to reconstruct events related to cyber crimes, such as fraud, online harassment, and data breaches. They are also useful in security audits to identify gaps and vulnerabilities in computer systems. Additionally, they are employed in legal litigation to present evidence clearly and understandably before a court, facilitating the understanding of the sequence of events and their relevance to the case.
Examples: A practical case of a forensic timeline occurred in the investigation of a company’s hacking incident, where a timeline was used to show unauthorized access to systems and actions taken by the attacker. Another example is in the analysis of an online harassment case, where a timeline of messages and activities on social media was created to demonstrate the pattern of behavior of the harasser.
