ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses several broad areas of cybercrime investigations. Forensic science is the application of science and scientific principles to criminal investigations and law. Digital forensic specialists may need to analyze files at the granular level for a number of reasons. Investigating cybercrime does not always require the analysis of evidence at the binary level or training in specialized digital forensics. Law enforcement can also investigate crimes by analyzing the “digital footprints” or “digital breadcrumbs” of a suspect. Policing in the digital environment is characterized by pluralized policing, where several non-state actors aid formal law enforcement in the investigation of crime. Pluralized policing is a common characteristic of modern societies. However, non-state actors can have a greater influence on cybercrime investigations. Law enforcement has developed many techniques for investigating crime in the digital environment. The international nature of cybercrimes means that coordination is needed between non-state, local, and federal agencies and national agencies in different countries.