Integrated Digital Investigation Process

Last Updated : 11 Apr, 2023

Pre-requisites: Digital Forensics in Information Security

The integrated digital investigation process is also abbreviated as IDIP. IDIP is a process in a digital investigation that involves the use of technology, processes, and procedures to collect, analyze and preserve digital evidence. IDIP plays a role to maintain the integrity and accuracy of digital evidence.

The phases of IDIP include various phases:

Readiness
Deployment
Physical Crime
Review
Digital Crime Investigation

1. Readiness- In IDIP readiness refers to the preparedness state of an organization or agency to conduct digital forensics investigations using the IDIP process. It also includes tools, equipment, and trained personnel to carry out digital investigations effectively and efficiently.

There are two phases in readiness:

Operations Readiness Phase
Infrastructure Readiness Phase

2. Deployment- This step is implemented in an organization or an agency. The development of policies, procedures, and guidelines to govern the use of digital forensic tools and techniques are included. In this process, a person is also being trained.

Two phases in deployment are-

Detection and Notification Phase- In this phase appropriate people are identified and notified.
Confirmation and Authorization phase- Here an incident is confirmed and legal approval is carried out for a search warrant.

3. Physical Crime Investigation Phase- This step is involved in the investigation of traditional or non-digital crimes such as theft, assault, or burglary. In the case of digital evidence IDIP process collects, analyzes, and presents the evidence to support the investigation.

The six-phase in Physical Crime investigation is as follows:

Preservation phase
Survey phase
Documentation phase
Search and collection phase
Reconstruction phase
Presentation phase

4. Review Phase- The process of reviewing the collected evidence during an investigation it is ensured that it is accurate, reliable, and relevant. This is an important step in the process as it ensures that the evidence presented in court and is used to support the investigation.

5. Digital Crime Investigation Phase- It involves the investigation of crimes that involve digital devices or networks such as cybercrime or computer intrusion. An IDIP process is essential for digital crime investigations as it enables the collection and analysis of digital evidence in a systematic and rigorous manner.

The IDIP process provides a comprehensive and effective approach to digital forensics investigations regardless of whether the investigation involves physical or digital crimes. By following the IDIP process investigators ensures that digital evidence is collected and analyzed in a reliable and consistent manner leading to accurate and effective investigations.