What are the differences between traditional and cyber forensics?

If you are interested in the field of cybersecurity, you may have heard of the terms traditional and cyber forensics. But what are the differences between them, and why do they matter? In this article, we will explore the main aspects of both types of forensics, and how they are used to investigate and prevent cyberattacks.

1 Traditional forensics

Traditional forensics is the application of scientific methods and techniques to collect, preserve, analyze, and present physical evidence in legal or criminal cases. It can involve various disciplines, such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, ballistics, toxicology, and pathology. Traditional forensics aims to establish the facts, identify the suspects, and support the prosecution or defense in court.

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Ernest Ofosu Larbi

Control Room Supervisor / Digital Forensics Expert / Drone Pilot / Security Trainer/CSEAG Profiled Member.
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I concur, and I appreciate that both have an ongoing difficulty. Both traditional and cyber forensics, in my opinion, share the same goals in that they all provide a distinct viewpoint that can impact, establish the facts, and produce useful information that can be used as a response or remedy to support a case. It is crucial for any forensic expert to have confidence in their ability to use the required instruments and processes.

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2 Cyber forensics

Cyber forensics, also known as digital forensics, is the application of similar methods and techniques to collect, preserve, analyze, and present digital evidence in cyber-related cases. It can involve various domains, such as computer forensics, network forensics, mobile forensics, and cloud forensics. Cyber forensics aims to discover the source, nature, extent, and impact of cyberattacks, and to provide actionable intelligence for response and remediation.

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Katherine B

MSc in Cyber Security
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The variety of what can be gathered during a digital forensics effort is vast and often intimidating. During the initial effort, it is important to keep the source incontestable to its validity, no matter what. The work can be done on validated copies, preserving the host domains importance and keeping it the 'single source of truth'. Knowing how this can be accomplished is the challenge a digital forensics person must be confident in.

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3 Key differences

One of the key differences between traditional and cyber forensics is the nature of the evidence. Traditional forensics deals with tangible and stable evidence, such as blood, bullets, or fingerprints, that can be physically examined and stored. Cyber forensics deals with intangible and volatile evidence, such as files, logs, or packets, that can be easily altered, deleted, or encrypted. Therefore, cyber forensics requires special tools and techniques to capture, preserve, and analyze digital evidence without compromising its integrity and admissibility.

Another key difference is the scope and complexity of the cases. Traditional forensics usually involves a limited number of suspects, locations, and jurisdictions, and follows a linear and sequential process. Cyber forensics often involves a large number of actors, devices, networks, and countries, and follows a dynamic and iterative process. Therefore, cyber forensics requires more collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders, such as law enforcement, security analysts, forensic experts, and legal advisors.

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Sean Smith

Director, IT at Best Buy Medical Supplies
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There’s also the concept of preserving the “chain of evidence” - ensuring that the evidence hasn’t been tampered with before presenting it at the hearing. With physical evidence, it’s easier to tell when it’s been tampered with. With cyber evidence, such tampering is easier to hide.

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Katherine B

MSc in Cyber Security
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Cyber forensics employs a diverse array of tools, with a meticulous focus on documenting the chain of custody. Beyond the tools of gathering data in a computer forensics process is understanding the recipients of the information. The traceability of the data evidence must include these contacts and their influence on how the data is viewed. Maintaining accountability for these interactions can be more complicated than traditional physical evidence as there are numerous ways to manipulate or influence the data. Keeping validity is vital in this effort.

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4 Common challenges

Despite the differences, both types of forensics face some common challenges in the modern world. For example, both have to deal with the increasing volume and diversity of data, which can make the collection and analysis more time-consuming and resource-intensive. Both also have to cope with the evolving legal and ethical frameworks, which can create conflicts and uncertainties regarding the privacy, consent, and jurisdiction of the evidence. Both also have to keep up with the emerging technologies and trends, such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, and cryptocurrencies, which can pose new threats and opportunities for forensics.

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Enrique Kalb

Struggling with I.T. Headaches? Follow for simple solutions that work.
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I would say this: By addressing common challenges in both digital and traditional forensics it will ensures the efficiency and credibility of investigative processes. It not only strengthens the justice system but also contributes to a safer society by deterring criminal activities and upholding individuals' rights and privacy.

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5 Future trends

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, traditional and cyber forensics must also innovate to keep up with the new demands and challenges. We may see the convergence of traditional and cyber forensics, as more physical crimes involve digital elements and more cyber crimes have physical consequences. Automation and machine learning may also be used for more forensics tasks, increasing the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of investigations. Furthermore, new standards and best practices are likely to be developed by forensics professionals and organizations to establish common guidelines for the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of evidence.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the differences between traditional and cyber forensics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Traditional forensics

2 Cyber forensics

3 Key differences

4 Common challenges

5 Future trends

6 Here’s what else to consider

Cybersecurity

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What are the differences between traditional and cyber forensics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Traditional forensics

2 Cyber forensics

3 Key differences

4 Common challenges

5 Future trends

6 Here’s what else to consider

Cybersecurity

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