Description: The practice of ‘On-Site Forensics’ refers to the collection of evidence directly from the scene of an incident, whether it be a crime, an accident, or any event requiring investigation. This approach is crucial in the field of digital forensics, where electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, and servers may contain vital information to understand what happened. Collecting evidence on-site involves not only identifying relevant devices but also preserving their original state to prevent data alteration. This includes techniques such as creating forensic images, which are exact copies of stored data, and meticulous documentation of the scene, which may include photographs and notes about the arrangement of devices. The importance of this practice lies in its ability to provide evidence that is admissible in court, as well as its role in reconstructing events. On-scene forensics is a process that requires technical skills and a deep understanding of the laws and procedures related to digital evidence, making it an essential discipline in modern investigations.
History: Digital forensics as a discipline began to take shape in the 1980s, when advances in computing and the proliferation of electronic devices made it clear that systematic methods were needed to investigate technology-related incidents. One significant milestone was the development of forensic analysis tools, which allowed investigators to extract and analyze data from storage devices. As technology advanced, so did the techniques for on-scene evidence collection, adapting to new types of devices and operating systems.
Uses: On-scene forensics is primarily used in criminal investigations, where digital evidence can be crucial in solving a case. It is also applied in cybersecurity incidents, such as data breaches, where it is necessary to determine the extent of the attack and the vulnerabilities exploited. Additionally, it is used in civil litigation, where digital evidence can influence the outcome of a trial.
Examples: An example of on-scene forensics is the collection of data from a mobile phone at a crime scene, where investigators can extract text messages, call logs, and location data. Another case could be the recovery of information from a compromised server during a security breach, where it is necessary to analyze access logs and affected files to understand how the attack occurred.
