Description
This module examines the basic technology and techniques used to investigate cybercrime. A systematic approach to planning and implementing a comprehensive computer forensic investigation is introduced with a particular focus on evidence collection and the reconstruction of events therefrom.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with the ability to carry out computer forensic investigations and appraise forensic software with a view to develop appropriate investigation strategies in the light of emerging digital technologies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand the principles of computer forensic investigation with regard to the legal definitions of computer misuse.
2. Devise an appropriate professional level plan for a forensic investigation and carry out this plan within a context of a specific scenario.
3. Analyse and evaluate the results of a computer forensic investigation.
Indicative Content
1 Computer Crime
Types of computer crime; legislation concerning computer crime.
2 Use of Linux as an investigative environment
Familiarisation with the command-line interface
3 File Systems as a source of forensic evidence
Structure of NTFS, FAT, FAT32, and Linux file systems.
4 Data Acquisition
Procedures for acquiring disk images; collection of evidence from crime scenes, integrity of evidence, write blockers
5 Computer Forensics Tools
Command line tools; Linux tools; Windows tools.
6 Computer Forensic Analysis
Digital forensic toolkits; data hiding techniques; anti-forensics
7 Internet History and Email
Identifying email and browser-derived evidence; examining email headers; using specialist email forensic tools; examining browser histories and cookies.
8 Working with MS-Windows Systems
File system; investigation of the Registry; recovering deleted files; working with forensic boot disks.
9 Computer Forensics Analysis
Methodologies for forensic analysis of systems and the assessment of results. Memory forensics
10 Reporting Results of Investigations
Importance of reports; time-lines; designing the layout of a report.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 0 |
| Practical Activity | 39 |
| Assessment | 60 |
| Independent | 89 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
