Phases of Digital Forensics

Updated Jan 30, 2024 ·

Overview

The forensic investigation process has several key steps to follow in order:

1. Identification: Recognize relevant evidence
2. Preservation: Keep evidence intact
3. Collection: Gather the data for analysis
4. Examination: Inspect the data in detail
5. Analysis: Interpret the findings
6. Presentation: Share results clearly
7. Decision: Draw conclusions for legal or organizational use

1. Identification

Recognizing and determining relevant data or digital evidence.

• Identify the devices and data sources.
• Determine what is considered potential evidence.
• Define the scope and boundaries of the investigation.

2. Preservation

Maintaining evidence in its original state to prevent alteration or loss.

• Halt automated deletions or overwrites on systems
• Make backup copies of critical data
• Isolate devices to prevent tampering
• Implement access controls to secure evidence

Preservation ensures that the evidence remains trustworthy for the next phases of the investigation.

3. Collection

Gathering and acquiring digital evidence while preserving its integrity.

• Use forensically sound methods to collect data.
• Document each step in the collection process.
• Follow proper acquisition procedure.
• Maintain a clear chain of custody.

4. Examination

Inspecting the collected data in detail to uncover hidden, deleted, or altered information.

• Review files, logs, and system data systematically
• Use specialized tools to examine different evidence types
• Validate integrity using hashes or checksums
• Note anomalies or suspicious patterns for deeper analysis

Examination bridges the raw collection phase and the analytical phase, providing the details needed to understand the evidence.

5. Analysis

Examining collected data to uncover relevant information, patterns, or evidence.

• Examine the data for hidden, deleted, or altered information.
• Use specialized tools to analyze different types of digital evidence.
• Draw connections and correlations among different data points.

Analysis turns raw data into actionable insights for legal or organizational decision-making.

6. Presentation/Reporting

The final phase where findings from the analysis are documented and presented.

• Prepare a detailed and coherent report of findings.
• Ensure the report is accessible to non-technical audiences.
• Highlight evidence handling, conclusions, and recommendations.

This is also the phase where you share the findings clearly with stakeholders or in legal proceedings.

7. Decision

Drawing conclusions based on evidence and analysis.

• Determine outcomes based on verified evidence
• Provide recommendations for legal, security, or policy actions
• Document final decisions for accountability and future reference

The decision phase completes the investigation, ensuring findings lead to actionable results and lessons learned.

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Decision comes after Presentation, when the organization or legal team uses the reported findings to make conclusions or take action.

After Action Review (AAR)

An** After Action Review (AAR)** is a structured process for analyzing incidents or exercises to improve future performance.

• Evaluate response effectiveness.
• Identify lessons learned.
• Foster continuous improvement.

Key Components

• Participation: Involve all relevant stakeholders for diverse insights.
• Documentation: Collect data, timelines, decisions, and actions.
• Analysis: Assess successes and failures in processes and outcomes.

Steps in Conducting an AAR

1. Preparation:

   • Schedule shortly after the incident.
   • Gather reports, logs, and communications.

2. Conducting the Review:

   • Facilitate open discussions.
   • Use guiding questions to evaluate intentions vs. outcomes.

3. Documenting Findings:

   • Summarize key findings and recommendations.
   • Highlight successful strategies and areas needing improvement.

4. Follow-Up:

   • Share the report with stakeholders.
   • Monitor implementation of action items.