The Investigative Process And Behavioral Profiling Of Computer Crimes

Locard's Exchange Principle can be summarized as, "Every contact leaves a trace." This principle is the foundation for all forensic science, and it transcends the physical world to the virtual world of the Internet and local computer systems. Just as forensic science logically led to the science of offender behavioral profiling, the burgeoning field of digital profiling serves to prove that the principle can be applied to activities on computer systems and the Internet. In short - human technology interaction leaves a trace, and that trace can be examined to infer behavior. Existing research supports this in many different areas - For example, stylometry, where phraseology, frequency distribution, flight time, and other aspects have been shown to be up to 95% effective at identifying a subject following the disambiguation of copious data. Digital Investigations: Profiling & Process will take the reader through the investigation and analysis phases of a digital investigation. It answers the following questions: What is digital evidence? What are the applicable laws that apply to computer systems and the Internet? How do we identify a subject on a computer system? What criminological theories apply to computer crimes? How do we apply a behavioral profile to a computer crime?Since the author also teaches these courses, the text will include labs to teach technical skills, such as data recovery, evidence identification, forensic timelines, etc. This book is ideal for readers with little exposure to the world of digital forensics and the investigative process, as well as criminal behavior. Provides an overview of the techniques experts in the field of computer crime need in the investigative process of criminal behavior Includes coverage of the investigative process, the legal aspects of evidence, applicable laws, behavioral profiling (ideographic and nomothetic) Allows reader to develop and apply criminological theories to the digital world, with a sociological slant

Since the last edition of this book was written more than a decade ago, cybercrime has evolved. Motives have not changed, but new means and opportunities have arisen with the advancement of the digital age. Investigating Computer-Related Crime: Second Edition incorporates the results of research and practice in a variety of venues, growth in the fi

The Digital Age offers many far-reaching opportunities - opportunities that allow for fast global communications, efficient business transactions and stealthily executed cyber crimes. Featuring contributions from digital forensic experts, the editor of Forensic Computer Crime Investigation presents a vital resource that outlines the latest strategi

Since the last edition of this book was written more than a decade ago, cybercrime has evolved. Motives have not changed, but new means and opportunities have arisen with the advancement of the digital age. Investigating Computer-Related Crime: Second Edition incorporates the results of research and practice in a variety of venues, growth in the field, and new technology to offer a fresh look at the topic of digital investigation. Following an introduction to cybercrime and its impact on society, this book examines: Malware and the important differences between targeted attacks and general attacks The framework for conducting a digital investigation, how it is conducted, and some of the key issues that arise over the course of an investigation How the computer forensic process fits into an investigation The concept of system glitches vs. cybercrime and the importance of weeding out incidents that don’t need investigating Investigative politics that occur during the course of an investigation, whether to involve law enforcement, and when an investigation should be stopped How to prepare for cybercrime before it happens End-to-end digital investigation Evidence collection, preservation, management, and effective use How to critique your investigation and maximize lessons learned This edition reflects a heightened focus on cyber stalking and cybercrime scene assessment, updates the tools used by digital forensic examiners, and places increased emphases on following the cyber trail and the concept of end-to-end digital investigation. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to stimulate further debate into this fascinating field.

Malware Forensics: Investigating and Analyzing Malicious Code covers the complete process of responding to a malicious code incident. Written by authors who have investigated and prosecuted federal malware cases, this book deals with the emerging and evolving field of live forensics, where investigators examine a computer system to collect and preserve critical live data that may be lost if the system is shut down. Unlike other forensic texts that discuss live forensics on a particular operating system, or in a generic context, this book emphasizes a live forensics and evidence collection methodology on both Windows and Linux operating systems in the context of identifying and capturing malicious code and evidence of its effect on the compromised system. It is the first book detailing how to perform live forensic techniques on malicious code. The book gives deep coverage on the tools and techniques of conducting runtime behavioral malware analysis (such as file, registry, network and port monitoring) and static code analysis (such as file identification and profiling, strings discovery, armoring/packing detection, disassembling, debugging), and more. It explores over 150 different tools for malware incident response and analysis, including forensic tools for preserving and analyzing computer memory. Readers from all educational and technical backgrounds will benefit from the clear and concise explanations of the applicable legal case law and statutes covered in every chapter. In addition to the technical topics discussed, this book also offers critical legal considerations addressing the legal ramifications and requirements governing the subject matter. This book is intended for system administrators, information security professionals, network personnel, forensic examiners, attorneys, and law enforcement working with the inner-workings of computer memory and malicious code. * Winner of Best Book Bejtlich read in 2008! * http://taosecurity.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-book-bejtlich-read-in-2008.html * Authors have investigated and prosecuted federal malware cases, which allows them to provide unparalleled insight to the reader. * First book to detail how to perform "live forensic" techniques on malicous code. * In addition to the technical topics discussed, this book also offers critical legal considerations addressing the legal ramifications and requirements governing the subject matter

Malware Forensics Field Guide for Windows Systems is a handy reference that shows students the essential tools needed to do computer forensics analysis at the crime scene. It is part of Syngress Digital Forensics Field Guides, a series of companions for any digital and computer forensic student, investigator or analyst. Each Guide is a toolkit, with checklists for specific tasks, case studies of difficult situations, and expert analyst tips that will aid in recovering data from digital media that will be used in criminal prosecution. This book collects data from all methods of electronic data storage and transfer devices, including computers, laptops, PDAs and the images, spreadsheets and other types of files stored on these devices. It is specific for Windows-based systems, the largest running OS in the world. The authors are world-renowned leaders in investigating and analyzing malicious code. Chapters cover malware incident response - volatile data collection and examination on a live Windows system; analysis of physical and process memory dumps for malware artifacts; post-mortem forensics - discovering and extracting malware and associated artifacts from Windows systems; legal considerations; file identification and profiling initial analysis of a suspect file on a Windows system; and analysis of a suspect program. This field guide is intended for computer forensic investigators, analysts, and specialists. A condensed hand-held guide complete with on-the-job tasks and checklists Specific for Windows-based systems, the largest running OS in the world Authors are world-renowned leaders in investigating and analyzing malicious code

Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis is a unique work centered on the Deductive Profiling method developed by the author. Deductive Profiling is different from other forms of profiling because it centers the process on forensic evidence and does not involve the use of averaged, statistical profiles. It approaches each criminal incident as its own universe of behaviors and relationships. Criminal Profiling includes a thorough rendering of the features of the deductive profiling method, an overview of the legal aspects involved in profiling, and an exploration into specific profiling issues that arise in different types of serial crime. It also includes the author's unique analysis of the Whitechapel Murders (Jack the Ripper) of 1888 and the JonBenet Ramsey homicide of 1996. Criminal Profiling is a perfect companion for students and professionals in the law enforcement, mental health, criminological, and legal communities. Key Features * A unique approach--centered on the author's Deductive Profiling method * Addresses related issues, such as ethics, clinical perspectives, and the essential role of the task force * Provides a unique analysis of the Whitechapel Murders (Jack the Ripper) and the JonBenet Ramsey case * Boasts the support of the world's leading forensic authors and profilers (Saferstein, Lee, Gebeth, Hare, and Teten) * Written in a style accessible to a wide audience--from the detective performing hands-on casework to the academician in the classroom

Written by experts on the frontlines, Investigating Internet Crimes provides seasoned and new investigators with the background and tools they need to investigate crime occurring in the online world. This invaluable guide provides step-by-step instructions for investigating Internet crimes, including locating, interpreting, understanding, collecting, and documenting online electronic evidence to benefit investigations. Cybercrime is the fastest growing area of crime as more criminals seek to exploit the speed, convenience and anonymity that the Internet provides to commit a diverse range of criminal activities. Today's online crime includes attacks against computer data and systems, identity theft, distribution of child pornography, penetration of online financial services, using social networks to commit crimes, and the deployment of viruses, botnets, and email scams such as phishing. Symantec's 2012 Norton Cybercrime Report stated that the world spent an estimated $110 billion to combat cybercrime, an average of nearly $200 per victim. Law enforcement agencies and corporate security officers around the world with the responsibility for enforcing, investigating and prosecuting cybercrime are overwhelmed, not only by the sheer number of crimes being committed but by a lack of adequate training material. This book provides that fundamental knowledge, including how to properly collect and document online evidence, trace IP addresses, and work undercover. Provides step-by-step instructions on how to investigate crimes online Covers how new software tools can assist in online investigations Discusses how to track down, interpret, and understand online electronic evidence to benefit investigations Details guidelines for collecting and documenting online evidence that can be presented in court