VFC and Digital Forensics
VFC has been assisting on Digital Forensic (DF) investigations for over 16 years, DF is a specialised branch of forensic science that focuses on the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of electronic evidence. It involves the systematic investigation of digital devices, computer systems, networks, and digital data to uncover and document information related to criminal or civil cases.
VFC and key aspects of digital forensics include:
- Evidence Recovery: Digital forensics professionals use various techniques and tools to recover electronic evidence from a wide range of digital devices, including computers, with the addition of VFC Portable this tool can be used in the field to assist evidence recovery.
- Data Preservation: Ensuring the integrity and preservation of electronic evidence is paramount. Digital forensic experts follow strict protocols to collect and safeguard digital evidence to maintain its admissibility in legal proceedings. This includes creating forensic copies or images of storage media to prevent contamination or alteration of the original data. VFC has been built from day one as a forensically sound tool.
- Analysis: Once the evidence is collected and preserved, it undergoes detailed analysis. This involves examining data structures, file systems, metadata, and content to uncover information relevant to the investigation. Analysts use specialised software and techniques to extract, decode, and interpret data. VFC has proved time and time again that it enhances an Investigators forensic software toolbox and has recovered material that existing forensic tools have missed.
- Chain of Custody: Maintaining a secure chain of custody is crucial in digital forensics. This involves documenting who had access to the evidence, when, and what actions were taken. This documentation ensures the reliability and authenticity of the evidence in court. VFC has always adhered during its development to the forensic standards and processes are documented in the log which should comply with ISO 17025 requirements.
- Forensic Tools and Techniques: Digital forensics professionals use a wide range of specialised tools and techniques, such as data carving, keyword searching, and hash analysis, to aid in evidence recovery and analysis. VFC with version 7 has the feature “Inject Files” this enables an investigator to inject their favourite analysis software while generating a VM to enhance the analysis of this device.
- VFC can be used in Memory capture analysis in both live and deadbox enquiries by creating a .vmem file when generating a VM
- Network Forensics: In cases involving cybercrimes or network intrusions, digital forensics extends to the examination of network traffic, logs, and communication patterns to identify the source of attacks and track digital footprints. All information that can be reviewed in a VFC generated standalone VM.
- Expert Testimony: Digital forensic experts often provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. They explain the methods used, the significance of the evidence, and their findings to judges and juries. VFC is second to none in the presentation of technical information to a layman, VFC has been used on numerous occasions in interviews or to get across technical information in a court of law.
- Types of Cases:Digital forensics is applied to various types of cases, including criminal investigations (e.g., cybercrime, fraud, hacking; missing persons; counter terrorism; child exploitation; online predators,crypto currencies), civil litigation (e.g., intellectual property disputes, data breaches; legal compliance and due process), and internal corporate investigations (e.g., employee misconduct). (See Case Studies Page)
- Teams that can benefit and use VFC: DFU; DMU; POLIT; Cyber Security; Fraud; Financial Crimes; Triage; DFIR; CTU; HTCU; and SOCO
Digital forensics plays a crucial role in modern law enforcement, legal proceedings, and cyber security. It helps uncover electronic evidence that can be used to prove or disprove criminal activity, resolve disputes, and protect digital assets. The field is constantly evolving to keep pace with advances in technology and the changing landscape of cyber threats.
VFC for over 16 years has become one of the Go to tools to aid Digital Forensic Enquiries.
