The Use of Computer Forensics in the Fight Against Identity Theft
Unfortunately one activity that is not suffering as a result of the credit crunch is identity theft. Identity theft is a multi-million pound criminal enterprise which not only nets millions for the perpetrators but causes distress and anguish for those who are victims to it.
Computer Forensics Experts are called upon when it is necessary to prove that such a case of identity theft, and subsequent fraud using a computer, has taken place.
Just as we leave tracks in cyberspace whilst using our computers online so too do computer criminals who are committing acts of identity theft and identity fraud. And just as our IP Address may give some clue as to how we are online (in the hands of a Computer Forensic Expert) so too would the trails of data left on a computer used by an identity fraudster.
Computer Forensics Experts can reconstitute data from unallocated clusters when information has been deleted. Although the data has been deleted it can be retrieved from these unallocated clusters. In simple layman's terms the information has been deleted but the computer does not wipe the cluster where the data was originally stored.
An increase in the number of cases of identity theft has been noted since the sale of computer equipment began to take off on sites such as EBay and other auction sites. Of course it is important to acknowledge that this is in no way the responsibility of the sites used; this is very much the responsibility of the person or persons selling their equipment(including hard drives)over the Internet.
Many people simply install a new operating system over the old or format the hard drive thinking that this is an end to the data previously stored on the hard drives; unfortunately this is not the case and Computer Forensics Experts are often called upon to help large enterprises when it comes to the removal, and the complete removal, of data from hard drives no longer in use.
Likewise if identity theft does take place as a result of information being located on a hard drive by an identity thief, Computer Forensics Experts can help provide analysis and help to build up a picture as to how and when the crimes were carried out and also whether or not there were other individuals involved over a wider network.
If you or your company are planning to part with a considerable number of computers with hard drives still intact then it is worth asking for the advice of a Computer Forensics Expert and also ensuring that any hard drives not being passed on are properly disposed of.
Gloss