Reading Assignment for Section 7.5

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 7.5: Digital Evidence.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll gain an understanding of digital evidence, exploring its various forms such as emails, digital files, social media data, and location data, and recognize its growing importance in modern criminal investigations. You’ll learn about the legal frameworks that govern the collection, use, and preservation of digital evidence, including laws related to privacy and the requirements for obtaining search warrants. Additionally, you’ll explore best practices for identifying, securing, collecting, and preserving digital evidence, and analyze the challenges associated with encrypted data and digital footprints. Finally, you’ll evaluate the impact of emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain on digital forensics and discuss the future challenges and innovations in handling digital evidence.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 7.5

• SLO 1: Define digital evidence and identify its various types, including emails, digital files, social media data, and location data, and explain the growing importance of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations.
• SLO 2: Describe the legal frameworks governing the collection, use, and preservation of digital evidence, including national and international laws, privacy rights, and the requirements for obtaining search warrants in digital investigations.
• SLO 3: Demonstrate best practices for identifying, securing, collecting, and preserving digital evidence from electronic devices, including the use of forensic tools, ensuring evidence integrity, and maintaining the chain of custody.
• SLO 4: Analyze the challenges associated with decrypting and analyzing encrypted data, interpreting metadata and digital footprints, and explain the role of digital forensic laboratories in ensuring the reliability and admissibility of digital evidence.
• SLO 5: Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies, such as IoT, AI, and blockchain, on digital forensics and discuss the future challenges and innovations necessary for effectively handling digital evidence in criminal investigations.