Computer forensics advantages, disadvantages, and the Trident Breach case

¶ … Computer/Software and the Use of Computer Technology in Investigations

The key advantage of computer forensics is that it can look for and assess loads of data in a swift and efficient manner. Computers are able to search for keywords from hard drives, in various languages. This proves valuable, as cybercriminals are easily able to cross national boundaries over the World Wide Web (Forensic Science, 2009). Computer forensics may be utilized in cases of corporate frauds, thefts, disputes over intellectual property, asset recovery and contract breaches (Forensic Science, 2009).

Important information, which cybercriminals have deleted or which is lost may be recovered and employed as significant court evidence. Professionals in the legal domain can furnish evidences in courts, which were earlier impossible. The field of computer forensics (i.e., electronic evidence) is fairly new; typically, criminal issues are handled through the use of physical evidence. Fortunately, the tool has proven advantageous in the recovery of damaged, lost, or deleted vital information, which plays a decisive role in cases (Forensic Science, 2009).

Disadvantages to Law Enforcement with Respect to the Advancements of Computers

The key drawback in the application of digital or electronic evidence is its permissibility in court. Information is easily modifiable. Computer analysts should wholly adhere to evidential standards mandated by the law. They need to prove data tampering. Furthermore, their analysis should be wholly accounted for, and recorded. They need to be trained in standard legal procedures, while handling evidence. Data examination and reporting is dependent on the case's nature; it may even take a whopping fifteen hours to complete this process! (Forensic Science, 2009)

Computer analysts, while recovering information, might unknowingly unveil confidential documents. Moreover, legal professionals (including barristers, the judge, and solicitors) who are a part of the case, should be familiar with computer forensics, as a lack of understanding of the field will render them incapable of cross-examining expert witness. Computer forensics remains a rather new field, with some individuals still unfamiliar with it. The computer analyst ought to be capable of communicating what he has found such that all concerned parties grasp it. Evidence, however, can be captured only once. Computer application and the growth in cybercrimes call for a correspondingly advanced procedure for curbing them (Forensic Science, 2009).

Conclusion

Technology is a key part of daily life in the contemporary world. This includes the operations of criminals, who are equipped with technical knowledge of how to hack into others' computer networks. Digital evidence has contributed greatly to court cases, but its collection can prove difficult. Nevertheless, it continues to be utilized with the aid of legal norms for their admissibility in court cases (Forensic Science, 2009).