In today’s world, it’s virtually impossible to think of somebody you know who doesn’t use the internet. After all, we carry compact computers in our pocket that can access the internet from almost any location. Consequently, we are incessantly faced with the threat of becoming a victim any time we log into an application or explore what the web has to offer.
Despite seeing reports and news stories almost daily about the dangers of the internet, many still believe they will not become the target of cybercrime or, if targeted, that they’ll be smart enough to recognize the threat and avoid the trap. The numbers prove otherwise with thousands of victims coming forward every day to different national law enforcement organizations.
As these attacks become more commonplace, a growing need for ways to defend oneself online has developed. Between May 2023 and April 2024(1), the United States alone employed roughly 1.24 million cyber security professionals with an ever-growing job market.
But what exactly do these cybersecurity professionals do to safeguard individuals and their data? By utilizing a critical discipline of their field known as digital forensics, these experts can investigate, respond to, and resolve cases of cybercrime effectively.
What is Digital Forensics.
Digital forensics(2) is a form of computer science that focuses on the collection, preservation, and analysis of electronic data. It involves examining internet activity, scanning for malicious programs, analyzing encrypted data, and numerous other techniques to piece together what happened and the identity of the culprit.
Analysts then utilize the data extracted through these tactics to collect key data points that can determine the criminals identify. This can include IP addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and financial records. This information can then be used to aid the appropriate law enforcement agencies in tracking down these criminals so they can be held accountable for their actions.
Following the Money.
Almost all cybercriminals are after the same thing: financial gain. They are looking to extort their victims online and profit as exponentially and quickly as possible. There is no positive to having money taken from you, but the silver-lining is that analysts can use these transactions to locate the perpetrator.
Every Financial Transaction Leaves Some Type of Record. If You Know Where to Look.
Every time money is sent from the victim, that data is tracked. Regardless of the type of transaction, and the distance the money travels there is a trail. While it may not be possible to fully recover these extorted funds in every case, it does ensure that the right professionals can prove where the money went.
Digital forensics analyst can use these transactions to help track down cyber criminals who took the payment in extortion cases. Additionally, this data can help uncover any other parties that were operating with them.
Digital Communications Leave Digital Footprints.
Any interaction online will leave a trail of code between the two parties. This data bypasses any programs which provide supposed anonymity. Data provides analysts with information on where each party is located, when the communication occurred, the type of device used to communicate, and much more. By examining chat logs, analysts can locate the perpetrators as well as gain insight into their online activity.
The Importance of IP to Location.
An IP address is a unique set of numbers connected to every device that connects to the internet. Regardless of geographic location or country of origin, that data is always sent from one device when it reaches a destination. Consequently, this data can enable analysts to locate the individual suspected of the cybercrime.
Operating Systems Leave Clues.
The operating system of the device used by a cybercriminal can provide digital forensics analysts with necessary data pertaining to their online activity and location. Different computers, phones, tablets, and other devices that connect to the internet run on various systems.
Understanding the operating system and associated device used to carry out a cyber attack is crucial for collecting data. Access to the file system and understanding how the device stores data can help recover data and uncover unusual activity that can be used as evidence.
What Can Digital Forensics Corp. Do To Help You?
Here at Digital Forensics Corp., our team of cyber security experts employ industry-leading tactics to confront cyber criminals. We will take over communication with the perpetrator so that our clients no longer have to and our proprietary system allows us to unearth evidence of the crimes committed.
We take the evidence collected in our investigation and work in collaboration with law enforcement to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Through our years of experience, we’ve collected a large database of cybercriminals that we’ve previously investigated. This information allows to compare the data collected in our investigation to that of previous offenders. By keeping this data, we can help protect our clients from future exposure.
Before You Contact Us.
Whether you choose to utilize the services of Digital Forensics Corp. or opt to handle the situation alone, you should act fast. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away, but you need to understand the proper course of action.
- Do NOT pay the cybercriminal – the goal of these perpetrators is to profit off of their victims. You may think they will stop their harassment after you meet their demands. Remember these people are criminals and will often times return to ask for more money.
- Do NOT block or ignore the cybercriminal – doing this may enrage the person harassing you and lead to the leak of your content in retaliation. Create an elaborate excuse as to why you must delay payment, such as needing time to collect their desired funds and use this time to seek assistance.
- Remember you are not alone – these things can happen to anybody, including large corporations. In 2023 alone, US companies faced 3,205 data breaches that impacted over 353 million individuals(3).
- Reach out for help – falling victim to a cybercrime can feel embarrassing, but it shouldn’t and you shouldn’t feel alone. If you are faced with any type of cyber extortion, contact our Blackmail Helpline.
Sources:
- Cybersecurity Stats: Facts And Figures You Should Know – Forbes Advisor
- digital forensics – Glossary | CSRC
- Number of data breaches and victims U.S. 2023 | Statista
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER. DIGITAL FORENSICS CORP. IS NOT A LAWFIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR SERVICES. By viewing posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship, the post should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
