A digital forensics report details the findings from an investigation into digital evidence. It documents the methodology, analysis, and conclusions made by the examiner. While the specific contents can vary depending on the nature of the case, most digital forensics reports contain some key elements.
The introduction provides an overview of the case details including how the evidence was obtained, the requestor of the examination, and what the examiner was asked to determine. It sets the stage for the rest of the report.
Background
This section provides background information such as a description of the items examined, from whom they were obtained, and how they were obtained. It includes details such as hard drive serial numbers, device types, operating systems, and relevant usernames.
Scope
The scope defines the parameters of the examination and any limitations. It specifies what media was examined, the time frame covered, which files or file types were included or excluded, and what investigative questions were asked.
Examination Procedures
This section documents the steps taken during the examination including hard drive imaging, data extraction methods, and analysis techniques used. It demonstrates that sound forensic practices were followed.
Findings
This section provides details regarding pertinent data uncovered during the examination. It can include discovered emails, files, internet history, registry information, metadata, and other relevant artifacts. Findings are presented logically and objectively without conclusions.
Analysis
In the analysis section, the examiner interprets the findings and draws conclusions based on their expertise. This can involve determining the relevance of certain artifacts, attributing actions to specific users, constructing timelines, recovering deleted data, and making other assessments based on the evidence.
Opinion
The examiner’s opinions are summarized in this section based on the analysis. Opinions address the initial reason for the examination and investigative questions. They are based on factual evidence and specialized knowledge.
Conclusion
The conclusion provides a brief summary of the key findings and opinions from the examination. No new information is presented in the conclusion. This section brings closure to the report.
Appendices
Appendices contain supplemental documentation to support the findings and opinions. This can include clickable hyperlinked screenshots, logs, relevant communication artifacts, lists of keyword searches, and other materials referenced in the report.
Log of Evidence
The log documents all evidence handled, including description, identifying information, and chain of custody details. It demonstrates that evidence integrity was maintained.
Certification
This section contains the examiner’s certification asserting that the report is factual and based on sound forensic methodology. The examiner attests to their qualifications and impartiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a digital forensics report?
The report documents the investigation process and communicates findings and expert opinions to stakeholders in the case. It provides a thorough, objective record of the examination and conclusions.
What should be included in the background section?
The background provides context by identifying the devices examined, where they were obtained, ownership/usage details, and other relevant background to set the foundation for the findings.
Why document examination procedures and steps?
Describing the methodology followed demonstrates that the examiner adhered to forensically sound practices. It shows the investigation was unbiased and conducted appropriately.
How are findings and analysis different?
Findings objectively present factual data discovered. Analysis subjectively interprets the meaning and significance of those findings based on the examiner’s specialized expertise.
Should opinions extend beyond the evidence?
No, opinions must be reasonable inferences directly supported by the objective findings in the report. Examiners should avoid speculation beyond the facts.
What should be included in appendices?
Appendices contain supplemental materials referenced in the report like logs, screenshots, communication artifacts, and other evidence enabling stakeholders to verify and interpret the findings.
Best Practices for Digital Forensics Reports
Following best practices when creating a report enhances thoroughness, objectivity, and clarity:
- Maintain neutral language without bias toward any party
- Organize content logically for easy understanding
- Avoid use of jargon, define technical terms
- Include only factual findings, not speculative opinions
- Provide sufficient detail to illustrate relevance
- Incorporate supporting exhibits and technical appendices
- Write concisely in clear, plain language
- Have report reviewed by a peer examiner for quality
- Proofread closely to confirm accuracy and consistency
How Reports Aid Investigations
Well-written reports contribute substantially to the investigative process in the following ways:
- Preserve detail uncover during examination that can fade from memory over time
- Allow other stakeholders to understand basis for examiner’s findings and opinions
- Provide authoritative record that can reliably refresh examiner’s recollection
- Enable supervisor review to evaluate investigation was conducted properly
- Assist others in reconstructing investigation if examiner is unavailable to testify
- Demonstrate that methodology was unbiased and findings objective
- Provide transparent record that instills confidence in conclusions
Common Sections in Law Enforcement Reports
For criminal investigations, law enforcement digital forensics reports often contain these additional sections:
Suspect Background
Overview of information related to suspected perpetrator such as employment, criminal history, and demographic data.
Investigative Narrative
Summary of case events leading up to examination request including allegations and context around suspected crimes.
Elements of Charged Crimes
Description of the legal standards and evidentiary requirements for the criminal offenses in question.
Report Formats
Reports can take different forms depending on the agency or company standards. The most common digital forensics report formats include:
Plain Text
- Basic .txt format lacking formatting and graphics
- Easy to generate and compatible across systems
- Difficult to present complex visual elements like photos
DOC/DOCX
- Widely-accessible Microsoft Word format
- Supports formatting, graphs, images, and other visuals
- Compatibility issues opening on certain systems
- Cross-platform Adobe format preserving original appearance
- Widely supported on computers and mobile devices
- Challenging to update once created
HTML
- Enables clickable hyperlinks, interactive features
- Easy integration of multimedia like video and audio
- Requires browser to open and view
Common Report Lengths
Report size varies significantly based on the scope of examination. Below are typical page lengths:
| Report Type | Typical Length |
|---|---|
| Triage Report | 2-10 pages |
| Preliminary Findings | 5-15 pages |
| Comprehensive Report | 10-100+ pages |
Evidence Documentation Tools
Specialized tools exist to help examiners efficiently generate detailed, robust reports:
FTK Imager Report
Powerful validated tool from AccessData for documenting evidence acquisition and verification.
Nuix Report
Automates report creation including key word searches, tags, and visualizations.
X-Ways Reporting
Built-in case reporting features for validation, notes, and detailed findings.
Belkasoft Evidence Center
Generates custom reports with embedded artifact screenshots and graphs.
Testifying About Report Findings
In some cases, examiners may be called to testify and explain report contents. Best practices for testimony include:
- Reviewing the report thoroughly prior to testifying
- Clarifying questions clearly and avoiding technical jargon
- Answering only within the scope of expertise
- Referring back to the report to reinforce foundations for opinions
- Correcting factual inaccuracies in questioning
- Ensuring answers are fully responsive to questions asked
- Objecting to speculation or inappropriate questions
- Sticking to facts and findings rather than hypotheticals
- Challenging mischaracterizations of report contents
Conclusion
In summary, a digital forensics report provides a detailed record of the examination, documents methodology, communicates findings, interprets results, and renders opinions. While formats vary, most reports contain elements like an introduction, background, scope, procedures, findings, analysis, conclusions, and appendices. Following best practices enhances investigative value and ensures the report reliably informs stakeholders. The report creates a transparent record that reinforces the objectivity of the examiner’s opinions.