Computer forensics is a specialized field of law enforcement that allows investigators to uncover and collect digital evidence related to computer-based crimes (Manning, 2022). As such, computer forensics investigators often use advanced techniques to capture, analyze, and present digital evidence in a court of law (Loftus et al., 2022). This paper will discuss how a digital forensics investigator would approach a case of identity theft in which the suspect has set up a website that pretends to be a technology blog but serves as a platform for the sale of stolen credit card numbers. Specifically, the paper will focus on how the investigator would determine whether the website is legitimate. In particular, it will concentrate on the processes involved in creating a suspect profile, operating undercover, and gathering internet evidence that may be used against the suspect.
The first step in creating a profile of the suspect is to identify their identity and establish a timeline of their activities. It can be done by examining the suspect’s website and any other digital platforms they use, such as social media accounts or email accounts (Manning, 2022). Additionally, investigators can use various techniques to track suspects’ movements, such as surveillance, background checks, and sting operations (Loftus et al., 2022).
In addition to surveillance and background checks, sting operations may be used to catch a suspect committing a crime (Loftus et al., 2022). It is possible for a law enforcement agent working undercover or the general public to assist in the preparation of a crime, collect evidence, and eventually place the suspect under arrest. It might entail putting up a bait automobile to capture car thieves or masquerading as a youngster on the internet to catch a person who sexually abuses children (Loftus et al., 2022).
When the suspect is unaware that they are being observed, another use of video surveillance is available. It may consist of a camera that has been secretly installed at a suspect’s home or place of business, or it may be a camera that is concealed on the person who is having a conversation with the suspect (Vatulescu, 2022). In addition, an undercover agent may be outfitted with a wire to record discussions about the criminal act being investigated, or a bug could be planted where such talks occur. By utilizing all these techniques, the investigator can create an accurate profile of the suspect and better understand the suspect’s activities (Vatulescu, 2022). By implementing the identified methods, the investigator forms an organized record of the suspect and better understands the suspect’s activities.
Once the suspect’s profile has been established, the investigator can go undercover. It could involve posing as a customer on the suspect’s website to access the secure area where stolen credit card numbers are sold (Vatulescu, 2022). The investigator can also use other tactics, such as audio and video monitoring (including wiretaps and hidden cameras), to capture conversations between the suspect and other customers or to monitor the suspect’s movements (Vatulescu, 2022).
When the suspects are unaware that they are being monitored, video surveillance may be used to follow them. It may consist of a pre-installed camera at a suspect’s home or business and a camera disguised as a person chatting with the suspect (Vatulescu, 2022). Generally, warrants are needed to tap a phone line, but not for covert recording equipment carried on a person. In addition, an undercover agent may wear a wire to record discussions about the crime under investigation, or a bug may be placed in a room where such conversations occur.
Finally, to create a case against the suspect, the investigator must gather damning evidence online, using modern computer forensics tools to look for and analyze data connected to the suspect’s activity. Examining file names to discover when and where data was produced, downloaded, or uploaded and employing software to search for keywords or file types connected to the suspect’s activity might be included (Vatulescu, 2022). To safeguard the evidence’s integrity, the investigator must record their findings in digital format and keep them inappropriately designated archives.
In addition, the investigator may utilize various techniques to evaluate the obtained data, such as using analysis tools to scan huge data archives for specific keywords or file types or recovering recently deleted files. Date- and time-stamped data are helpful to investigators, as are encrypted or deliberately concealed suspicious files or applications (Vatulescu, 2022). Additionally, the investigator must copy and transfer the evidence to their system using controlled boot CDs to ensure operation.
In conclusion, computer forensics investigators can uncover and collect digital evidence related to computer-based crimes. In an identity theft case where the suspect has set up a website to sell stolen credit cards, the investigator would need to create a profile of the suspect, go undercover, and capture incriminating evidence online. It could involve surveillance, background checks, sting operations, audio and video monitoring, and computer forensics techniques to search for and analyze data related to the suspect’s activities. Additionally, the investigator must document and save their findings in a digital format and take appropriate steps to copy and transfer the evidence to their system. All of these steps are essential in order to build a successful case against the suspect.
References
Manning, R. (2022). Undercover Investigation, Liquor Laws, and “Disreputable” Detectives in Late Nineteenth-Century Canada. Canadian Historical Review, (aop), e20220006.
Loftus, B., Goold, B., & Mac Giollabhui, S. (2022). Reflections on the Parallel Practices of Police Ethnographers and Covert Police. In Routledge International Handbook of Police Ethnography. Routledge.
Vatulescu, C. (2022). The Mug Shot and the Close-Up: Identification and Visual Pedagogy in Secret Police Film. Kritika: Explorations in Russian and Eurasian History, 23(3), 523-551.
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