Digital evidence--evidence that is stored on or transmitted by computers--can play a major role in a wide range of crimes, including homicide, rape, abduction, child abuse, solicitation of minors, child pornography, stalking, harassment, fraud, theft, drug trafficking, computer intrusions, espionage, and terrorism.
Though an increasing number of criminals are using computers and computer networks, few investigators are well-versed in the evidentiary, technical, and legal issues related to digital evidence. As a result, digital evidence is often overlooked,
collected incorrectly, and analyzed ineffectively. The aim of this hands-on resource is to educate students and professionals in the law enforcement, forensic science, computer security, and legal communities about digital evidence and computer crime.
This work explains how computers and networks function, how they can be involved in crimes, and how they can be used as a source of evidence. As well as gaining a practical understanding of how computers and networks function and how they can be used as evidence of a crime, readers will learn about relevant legal issues and will be introduced to deductive criminal profiling, a systematic approach to focusing an investigation and understanding criminal motivations.
Readers will receive access to the author's accompanying Web site which contains simulated cases that integrate many of the topics covered in the text. Frequently updated, these cases teaching individuals about:
* Components of computer networks
* Use of computer networks in an investigation
* Abuse of computer networks
* Privacy and security issues on computer networks
* The law as it applies to computer networks

* Provides a thorough explanation of how computers and networks function, how they can be involved in crimes, and how they can be used as a source of evidence
* Offers readers information about relevant legal issues
* Features coverage of the abuse of computer networks and privacy and security issues on computer networks
* Free unlimited access to author's Web site which includes numerous and frequently updated case examples

Average Customer Review: ( 15 customer reviews )
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Such a resource is here: Digital Evidence and Computer Crime, an excellent book that details the elements of digital crime. Author Eoghan Casey does a superb job of applying forensic science to computers. The information presented here is critical to a diverse audience: law enforcement, attorneys, forensic scientists, and systems administrators, for instance.

While cybercrime law is in some ways similar to other aspects of criminal law, it nonetheless has its own language and categories. For instance, jurisdiction is a key element in both the physical and digital realms, but it is a much trickier concept in the latter. Casey develops this topic and many more. Those new to computers and networks need not worry: the book begins with an explanation of how they function. With the basics out of the way, Casey details how computers can be used in crime and how the evidence created from these activities can be used for later analysis....The accompanying CD-ROM contains simulated cases that integrate many of the topics covered in the text. In all, the book and CD are an excellent introduction to an increasingly important area of law enforcement.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Great Primer - foundationalMay 13, 2001

The author gives basic understanding for everyone. The law enforcement professional will find it rudimentary on issues of edvidence seizure and chain of custody, but then he gives some insight into the technical aspects (the OSI and so forth) which is probably new material. Then for the technical professional, the opposite is true.

Not for the more experience InfoSec/forensic professional. But an outstanding introduction for those wishing to get into the practice - in the Atlanta ISSA, we use this as our primer training text book.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:

University Text BookJun 08, 2001
By yendred
This text was used for the digital evidence and computer crime class that I just completed. The book is clear and easy to understand. It goes into detail only when needed. I was concerned that this information would quickly become out of date, but the ideas presented are current and provide a solid background for understanding any newer technologies that come down the road. I usually sell my books after the semester ends, but I have decided to keep this one.

8 of 9 found the following review helpful:

I Highly Recommend This Book !May 26, 2000
By Fireflies
You don't have to be a computer expert or forensic scientist to understand this text. I found it to be very through, yet easily to follow and understand with great examples. This one is a must for anyone just beginning to explore foresenic digital evidence !

11 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Recommended for law enforcement peopleMay 08, 2001
By Stephen Kalman "techauthor"
This isn't a novel. It isn't an easy read. It IS a good resource for learning about forensic analysis of computer systems. Topics like search and seizure, logging and others will be quite useful to the professional investigator.

Note: this is not a book aimed at network security personnel. You need to know something about law and about investigations to get the most out of it.

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