• Yazılım-DA
• Forensic Informatics

What is Forensic Informatics, Process and Types

Forensic informatics is an interdisciplinary science that aims to collect, examine, analyze and present evidence (audio, video, data, information) in digital media in accordance with legal procedures. In today's digitalized world, many electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, servers, network devices and even IoT (Internet of Things) devices have become critical sources of evidence in criminal investigations. In this context, forensic informatics plays a vital role in illuminating crimes and bringing justice.

Forensic Informatics Process

The forensic informatics process basically consists of four stages:

Evidence Collection and First Response:

Digital devices (computers, mobile devices, external storage units, etc.) found at the crime scene are carefully identified and secured. Special techniques (e.g. write-protected forensic copying) are applied at this stage to ensure that evidence is not altered or damaged.

Forensic Copy Making:

“Forensic copies” are made of the collected evidence so that it can be analyzed without damaging the original. These copies are used later in the detailed examination and analysis process, preserving the integrity of the evidence.

Data Analysis and Analysis:

Detailed analysis is carried out on the forensic copies using special software and hardware tools. At this stage, operations such as recovery of deleted data, examination of log records, detection of abnormal activities in the system are performed. Thus, technical data on how the incident occurred is revealed.

Reporting and Presentation to the Court:

The results of the investigation are organized in the form of expert forensic informatics reports. The reports prepared are presented to be used as evidence in courts and testify as expert witnesses when necessary.

Types of Forensic Informatics

Forensic informatics is divided into various sub-branches according to the type of digital evidence examined and the scope of the incident:

Computer Forensics: The analysis of evidence found on computers and connected storage devices. For example, examining data such as file systems, browser histories, log records.

Mobile Device Forensics: Recovering deleted or stored data from cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices, analyzing information such as messaging records, location data.

Network Forensics: Capturing and analyzing data transmitted over network traffic and analyzing incidents. This plays a critical role in detecting cyber-attacks and identifying the source of data leaks.

Memory Forensics: Examination of data stored in volatile memory such as RAM; important for capturing the moment when an incident occurred.

Video and Audio Analysis: Detailed analysis of video and audio recordings to examine the visual or auditory evidence of the incident.

Importance of Forensic Informatics

In addition to the opportunities brought by the digital age, forensic informatics has become indispensable in criminal investigations and legal processes with the increase in digital crimes. Thanks to forensic informatics:

Detection and Punishment of Criminals: Digital evidence plays a key role in identifying perpetrators by revealing the way the crime was committed.

Protecting the Rights of Victims: Evidence is used to document the harm suffered by victims and support their claims for compensation.

Crime Prevention: By identifying the methods and techniques used by criminals, the analysis helps to develop measures to prevent similar crimes in the future.

As digital transformation is rapidly increasing in Turkey, the number and variety of cybercrimes are also increasing. For this reason, the role of forensic informatics experts is becoming increasingly important, and the accurate and reliable examination of evidence stands out as a critical step in the manifestation of justice. 

The Role of Forensic IT Experts

Forensic informatics experts are involved in the collection, preservation, analysis and reporting of digital evidence. Their expertise includes interpreting complex digital data, conducting technical analysis and presenting the findings in accordance with legal processes. These experts can testify as expert witnesses in courts, thus contributing directly to the administration of justice.

Forensic informatics is a critical branch of science in the fight against crimes and the administration of justice in the digital age. The meticulous examination of evidence obtained through computers, mobile devices, networks and other digital media is indispensable for identifying criminals and protecting the rights of victims. Forensic informatics services used by both public institutions and the private sector are constantly renewed and strengthened in parallel with technological developments. In today's cybercrime-ridden environment, the scientific and technical analysis provided by forensic informatics experts contributes significantly to the provision of justice and the protection of the security of society.