Disk Forensics: Solving a Cyberstalking Case through Digital Evidence Recovery

The Investigation: A Digital Paper Trail

In 2023, law enforcement agencies took on a high-stakes cyberstalking case. The suspect had meticulously deleted his digital footprints, believing that "Emptying the Trash" would protect him. However, Kian Technologies forensic principles show that data is rarely gone; it just becomes hidden. This case study explores the power of Disk Forensics in criminal litigation.

Advanced Recovery Techniques

Forensic experts performed a Bit-Stream Image of the suspect’s laptop to ensure no evidence was altered. They then used several advanced techniques to rebuild the case:

• Data Carving: By searching for specific file headers in Unallocated Space, the team recovered deleted chat logs from encrypted messaging apps that the suspect thought were permanently erased.
• Browser Artifact Analysis: Even in "Incognito Mode," browser forensics uncovered entries in the WebCache and Favicons databases, proving the suspect had repeatedly visited the victim’s social media and home address records.
• Metadata Correlation: Every recovered file had metadata (EXIF data) that confirmed the exact date and time of the stalking activities, matching the victim’s reports.

The Verdict: Forensic Proof

The team also found evidence of Anti-Forensic attempts, where the suspect tried to use "File Shredder" software, but his incomplete execution left behind enough fragments for a conviction. This case demonstrates that Disk Forensics is the ultimate tool for law enforcement in the digital age, turning hidden bits into courtroom evidence.

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