The Role of a Forensic Data Analyst

Forensic Data Analysts, sometimes referred to as forensic computer analysts or digital forensics analysts, are professionals who use their skills in computer science and investigation to recover information from computers and storage devices. Forensic data analysis has been influential in various high-profile cases. For example, In the case of the BTK Serial Killer, Dennis Rader, forensic data analysts were able to recover deleted files from a floppy disk sent by Rader to a TV station, leading to his arrest. In another case, forensic data analysis was used to convict Scott Peterson for the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson. Analysts were able to prove that Peterson had made extensive internet searches about currents and tides in the area where his wife’s body was later found.

Forensic data analysis is a branch of digital forensics that focuses on:

• Maintaining Chain of Custody: Ensuring the integrity and legal defensibility of evidence by documenting its collection, handling, and storage procedures.
• Following Legal Protocols: Adhering to legal guidelines and best practices for digital evidence handling to ensure its admissibility in court.
• Reporting and Documentation: Creating detailed reports that document the analysis process, findings, and conclusions drawn from the recovered data.
• Recovering deleted files and fragments of data using techniques like data carving.

Forensic data analysis is a process of examining and evaluating digital information to reconstruct past events. This field is a sub-discipline of digital forensics, which involves investigating and recovering material found in digital devices. The primary goal of forensic data analysis is to discover and investigate patterns of fraudulent activities. This field has applications in various sectors, including legal, financial, and law enforcement, where it assists in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities.

In this article we will cover about Role of Forensic Data Analyst, Skills required to become Forensic Data Analyst, Qualification to become a Data Anayst, Techniques for Forensic Data Analysis and Real-World Applications of Forensic Data Analysis.