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| Digital Evidence |
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DEFINITION: Digital Evidence is information of probative value that is stored or transmitted in a binary form (SWGDE, 1998). Digital evidence includes not only computers in the traditional sense but also includes digital audio and video. It includes all facets of crime where evidence may be found in a digital or binary form.
PURPOSE: At one point, fingerprints were the smoking gun of the legal system. However, as technology has advanced digital evidence has become a mainstay in the court of law. The acquisition and analysis of various digital media, ranging from computers, flash drives, cell phones, or PDA's inevitably links one's daily processes to the technology we carry. When confronted with a crime, such links serve as the new and improved technological fingerprint for today's world. A single image, email message or credit card purchase can become the evidence needed to determine a case.
BENEFITS: If one could quantify the amount of raw data computer forensic experts are able to examine when a digital camera, hard drive or cell phone is placed in front of them, the best comparison would be that of a small mountain. When contrasted with more traditional evidence, not only is digital evidence more voluminous, more difficult to destroy and easier to duplicate but it is also potentially more revealing. |
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