Unit 24: Forensics


Unit code                            F/615/1658

Unit level                            QCF Level 5/ NFQ Level 6/7

Credit value                       15


Introduction

This unit introduces students to digital forensics involving the use of specialised techniques to investigate the recovery, authentication and analysis of data on electronic data storage devices as well as Network Security breaches and cyberattacks using different tools and techniques.

With the current widespread use of digital devices, digital forensics has become an important part of the detection of crime by being able to identify details of what has been stored on a digital device(s) in the past. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some  of the lower level structures of data storage devices, and techniques used to investigate them.

Among the topics included in this unit are: describing the process of carrying out digital forensics; Forensic Investigation legal guidelines and procedures; understanding low level file structures of several Operating Systems (OS); creating a book disk to enable forensic examination of devices; and undertaking a forensic examination  of a device(s) and/or Network Security breaches and cyberattacks.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to carry out digital forensics in accordance with industry and legal guidelines and procedures using different tools as well as understand low-level file structures of several Operating Systems and undertake digital Forensic Investigation of devices.

As a result they will develop skills such as communic ation literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning  and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining  employment and developing academic competence.

Learning  Outcomes

By  the end of this unit students will be able to:

LO1.     Examine the processes and procedures for carrying out digital Forensic Investigation.

LO2.     Discuss the legal and professional guidelines and procedures for carrying out digital Forensic Investigation.

LO3.     Use a tool or tools to conduct digital Forensic Investigation on devices or networks or cyberattacks.

LO4.     Develop a Test Plan and make  some recommendations  for use in digital Forensic Investigation.