Computer Network Investigation (CNI) is a relatively new specialty within computer forensics that deals with extracting information from local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), or even entire interconnected systems, as well as understanding the protocols for transferring data over those networks.
Expert Witness Computer Networks and Internet Investigations
An expert witness in Computer Networks and Internet Investigations is an individual who has developed knowledge about how computer networks operate, monitor network activities, or collect information from one system stored on another. The expert may also be called upon to serve as a consultant in legal cases involving computer networks.
Computer network investigations usually require the examination of multiple computers and digital storage devices such as external hard drives or memory sticks which can contain large amounts of data. This information must be analyzed carefully to determine if any evidentiary material exists; it must then be documented thoroughly so that others can understand what was discovered and why it’s relevant. Some legal cases don’t just require data extraction but also require that all evidence be presented in court with explanatory testimony, often including interpretation for the judge and/or jury.
Computer Network Investigation has many applications for criminal activity and civil litigation involving computer networks.
Some common types of legal cases where network investigations are necessary to include crimes involving unauthorized access to computer systems or theft of information; copyright violations; cases related to hacking (such as invasion of privacy); employment issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, or sexual harassment; technology-related contractual disputes between businesses; and civil actions involving defamation over the internet.
For an expert witness in Computer Networks and Internet Investigations, it is important to understand what a network investigation is and how it is different from a forensic examination of an individual machine.
The former requires evidence to be collected in real-time, while the latter must reconstruct past events. An expert in CNI also needs to understand the various protocols used for transferring data over computer networks, such as HTTP or FTP, so that they can properly extract relevant information.
Computer Network Investigations are usually done on local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), or even entire interconnected systems. For instance, the authority having jurisdiction may request file-sharing activity between two users or traffic logs showing attempts at unauthorized access or collecting chat transcripts from a private instant message service between multiple people. The company’s infrastructure; usually requires permission from senior management.
In conclusion, the point is, computer network investigations usually require the examination of multiple computers and digital storage devices such as external hard drives or memory sticks which can contain large amounts of data. This information must be analyzed carefully to determine if any evidentiary material exists; it must then be documented thoroughly so that others can understand what was discovered and why it’s relevant.
