What is Digital Forensics?

Forensics or forensic science: The application of science to questions that are of interest to the legal system.

Digital forensics: The analysis of computers and other types of digital media to determine if they have been used for illegal or unauthorized activities, or if they are the "victims" of illegal attacks.

Crime Goes Digital

Essentially almost all criminal activity, in one way or another, will at some point produce evidence that is digital in nature. Even criminal activity that has traditionally not had a cyber connection now regularly involves digital evidence. Email, voicemail, hard drives, digital cameras, and other electronic devices all contain evidence necessary for an investigation and subsequent prosecution. A statewide survey conducted by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs found that 97% of responding law enforcement agencies reported investigating crimes involving digital evidence.

A growing need for trained digital forensic examiners

Most reporting agencies have some ability to process digital evidence, but only 34% have a sufficient number of forensic examiners to meet the demand. Likewise, the Baltimore Examiner reported in September 2010, "A rapid increase in computer crimes over the years has led to the need for technology in the field of forensic science. As a result, a new field in technology has emerged known as computer forensics and its demand in the job market is steadily increasing."

Performing the work of a computer forensic examiner requires a mixture of investigative and technical skills and a strong knowledge of the legal system. Consequently, companies tend to hire law enforcement officers or criminal justice students to fill computer forensic positions because these individuals already have many of the necessary investigative skills. Regardless, these individuals often times lack the forensic expertise necessary to be an examiner requiring the hiring agency to purchase additional training for the employee at great expense. Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation has a difficult time finding qualified applicants for their Special Agent positions listing computer forensic examiner training or expertise.