Computer Forensics and Legal Aspects

The rate of crimes on internet and networks ismonitor and collect evidence related to intrusions and
increased to an alarming state by hackers, contractors,computer crimes. The use of security tools should be
intruders and employees. Laws are enforced andlegal and according to the policies of the company and
computer forensics is practiced to avoid and preventrules of the country. Computer forensics is a new
these crimes. Using computer forensics investigatorsdiscipline so the use of existing laws is instable while
use latest techniques of science and technology to findprosecuting computer crimes. Website of United
some evidence against crimes. The evidence will beStates Department of Justice’s Cyber Crime is the
collected for legal purposes when criminal matters arereliable source of information and rules to apply it.
dealt. Investigation by using latest techniques ofStandards of computer forensics and list of recent
science and technology along with computer sciencescases which are in proceeding are given on the
to collect evidence in criminal and civil courts is calledwebsite. Evidences are collected in a way which is
computer forensics. Experts use advanced tools toaccepted by the court. Laws are being approved in
recover deleted, corrupted or damaged files from hardthe favor of personal data security in organizations.
discs, flash drives and other storage media. AOrganizations have to prove that they have applied
complete examination of windows registry, drives,necessary securities. So when data is theft or
cookies, deleted files, emails and all other relevantaffected then there will not be any lawsuit on the
locations is done to find any clue to prosecute thecompany if proper security applications and policies are
case in law courts.installed and implemented.
The first step in collecting evidence is to obtain warrantComputer security law has three areas which one
to search the suspected system. This warrant includesshould know. First is in United States Constitution; it
not only seizing and investigating the suspectedprotects against unreasonable search, attacks and
computer but any devices connected with the crimeself-incrimination. These were written before problems
are also included in it. A printer, scanner or any otheroccurred but tell how to practice them.
device may be used with computer in making crime soIn the second area anyone practicing computer
these devices are also seized for investigation. Personforensics should know the effect of three U.S.
who examines the computer system is not only an ITStatutory laws.
expert but a detective. He detects clues to find out theWiretap Act
story or details of the crime. The main aim of anPen Registers and Trap and Trace Devices Statute
investigator or expert is to find out evidence not theStored Wired and Electronic Communication Act
culprit. Using computer forensics large amounts ofDuring the practice of computer forensics violations of
money are recovered by following the law suits in civilany one of the above statutes lead to fine or
and criminal courts.imprisonment. If a company feels any doubt about that
Computer forensics specialist revealed frauds, crimesit has committed mistake it should consult with its
and corruptions in insurance companies, criminalattorney.
prosecutors, large corporations and law enforcementIn third area U.S. Federal rules about computer crimes
office. The standards, methods and laws of computermust be understood. There are two areas which
forensics are different in different countries. Someaffect cyber crimes
evidence is acceptable in some countries but not in1. Authority to collect and monitor data
others while dealing with crimes at international levels.2. Admissibility of collection methods
There is no boundary of internet so it is a problemIf network or system administrators know about the
while investigating and collecting evidences becauselegal and technical complexities of computer forensics
different countries have different laws.or they are able to preserve critical data of the
Personnel, Network administrators and security stafforganization then it would be an asset of the
should have knowledge about computer forensics andorganization.
its legal aspects. An expert should have authority to