What is digital forensics?

Digital forensics is a specialized field that focuses on the recovery, analysis, and preservation of material found on digital devices. This includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic media. The primary goal is to uncover data that can serve as evidence in investigations, whether that pertains to criminal acts, data breaches, or other unlawful activities.

The process involves various techniques to ensure that digital evidence is collected in a manner that maintains its integrity, allowing for accurate analysis and presentation in a legal context. Digital forensics can reveal deleted files, track communications, and identify user activities, making it an essential discipline in modern investigative work.

In contrast, other options focus on different areas of investigation. The analysis of physical crime scene evidence pertains specifically to the examination of tangible items rather than digital data. Techniques for interviewing suspects involve interpersonal communication skills and strategies to elicit information but do not directly relate to digital evidence. Lastly, psychological assessments are used to evaluate the mental state of individuals involved in investigations, which is unrelated to the technical and investigative aspects of digital forensics.