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When we talk about computer forensics, we refer to a discipline that is essential when investigating digital crimes. However, as technology advances, forensics cannot fall behind. It needs to be continually updated to provide better results. Therefore, we can say that it is undergoing a transformation thanks to advances in Artificial Intelligence, as well as forensic analysis.
At this point, it is necessary to discuss how Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything in its path, how some professions must adapt to it, and how the use of AI is affecting the ability to detect when something is false or when criminal activities are taking place.
AI: The Pros and Cons in Computer Forensics
The arrival of AI has revolutionized various fields and work areas. Judicial computer forensics is no exception. Thanks to these technologies, forensic experts will have a different job because they will be able to analyze large volumes of data in a possibly more efficient, yet also more complex way. They will be able to identify patterns or errors that might go unnoticed when using more traditional methods. But that’s not all; there is also a darker side where cyber experts will constantly battle.
The Advantages of AI in Computer Forensics
- Data analysis monitoring: While it has various uses, one of the most important benefits of AI is its ability to monitor data analysis. There are several tools that can process large amounts of data such as activity logs, messages, or emails, among others. This way, time is saved while searching for relevant evidence quickly.
- Improved image analysis: In certain types of crimes, for instance, AI can be used to identify manipulated images, recognize faces, and also identify objects at a faster speed (although AI results are not conclusive and the expert’s experience plays a role at that moment). This can help make the forensic expert’s work more precise, thus enabling the resolution of more complex cases.
- Predictive analysis: AI can predict potential failures or manipulations in evidence, although, as mentioned, the results are not conclusive.
The Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
- Counterfeiting: The widespread availability of AI tools for the public has lowered the barriers for those wishing to commit illegal acts. This increases the number of cases of digital fraud, raising pressure on institutions and security systems to develop more advanced detection methods.
- Fraud: Sometimes, fraudulent, harmful, or entirely false content can be generated. This includes SMS messages that appear to come from banks or messaging services. Therefore, the role and work of forensic experts are essential. Among them, the Certified Computer Expert is a key reference in using advanced tools to thoroughly investigate each case and is the only one authorized by law.
- Harassment or threats on social media: Computer forensics experts will monitor, collect, and analyze evidence from various sources. They will have access to all kinds of content, even if it has been deleted by the victim or the perpetrator.
- System vulnerabilities: There will be more cyberattacks favorable to cybercriminals, making it more difficult to identify how data was obtained or manipulated.
Transforming Forensic Analysis
Computer forensic analysis is evolving into a more efficient process, as it is another area where Artificial Intelligence will play a significant role. AI-powered tools or systems can monitor networks or devices in real-time, detecting suspicious activities.
Computer forensic analysis is a technical and computational research discipline, carried out by specialized professionals aimed at obtaining maximum information and determining the authenticity of collected data for legal and judicial proceedings.
Procedures Involving Computer Forensics Experts
Computer forensics experts are involved in a wide range of procedures, as their expertise in data analysis, systems, and technologies is key to resolving legal, technical, or administrative conflicts. Their role is crucial in interpreting technical data and presenting it clearly to judges, lawyers, or parties involved in the legal process.
Some of the most common procedures they participate in include:
- Cybercrimes: These specialists are essential in investigating hacking, phishing, information theft, online fraud, and unauthorized access to systems. They analyze digital evidence, track activities on networks, and determine how the crime occurred and who might be behind it.
- Digital forgery: In cases where the authenticity of documents, audio, video, or images is questioned, computer forensics experts analyze metadata, digital edits, and other traces to determine if content has been manipulated or artificially created, as in the case of deepfakes.
- Intellectual property and copyright: When there is suspicion that someone has plagiarized software, images, databases, or digital content, computer forensics experts conduct comparative and technical analyses to verify if there has been copying or misuse of material.
- Custody and authentication of digital evidence: Computer forensics experts ensure that digital evidence (such as hard drives, emails, or chats) is collected, stored, and presented in court without being altered, respecting the chain of custody.
- Cyberbullying or online defamation: In cases of harassment, threats, or defamatory posts on social media, computer forensics experts trace IP addresses, identify authors of messages, and gather forensic evidence for presentation in judicial proceedings.
- Computer accidents and/or system failures: In disputes related to the responsibility for a failure in computer systems, experts analyze technical causes of the issues, such as software errors, poor maintenance, or incorrect configurations.