Objectives and competences
• To introduce digital forensics legislation, the forensic process, and characteristics and use of digital evidence.
• To demonstrate types and approaches to digital forensics and required skills.
• To demonstrate in-depth computer forensics, data in non-volatile and volatile memory, and data encryption.
• To practically present planning and conducting a forensic investigation.
• To develop digital competences (browsing, searching, filtering, evaluating and managing data, information and digital content, and problem solving).
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Digital evidence
• Principles for dealing with digital evidence
• Digital evidence acquiring procedure
• Digital forensics types and approaches
• Cyber security and forensics
• Online trust (deepfakes)
• Introduction to computer science, computer architecture, operating systems
• Computer forensics
• Data in non-volatile memory
• Data encryption
• Data in volatile memory
• Cryptocurrencies and blockchain
• Tools for forensic investigations
• Artificial intelligence in digital forensics
Learning and teaching methods
The subject will consist of lectures, tutorials, case studies, discussions on current topics, group and individual consultations and preparation of seminar papers. Use of student-centered approaches to teaching (problem-based learning, spaced learning, teaching with discussion, case study).
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
The course presents digital evidence, the related legislation, main types of digital forensics and the forensic process. In this way, the students gain an in-depth understanding of digital forensics. The students also get familiar with planning and conducting forensic investigations, and tools for digital forensics during the course. Students thus practically experience the possibilities and limitations that the contemporary technology for digital forensics offers.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Students upgrade their skills to use ICT, such as browsing, searching, filtering, evaluating and managing data, information and digital content. The students acquire specialized skills of ICT use related to working with software tools for digital forensics. Additionally, the students learn to solve digital forensics problems individually and in small teams, which includes solving technical problems, identifying needs and technological responses, creatively using digital technology, and identifying digital competence gaps.
Readings
- Vrhovec, S. (2020). Digitalna forenzika: 2. letnik, magistrski študijski program Varstvoslovje: zbrano študijsko gradivo. Fakulteta za varnostne vede.
- Casino, F., Dasaklis, T. K., Spathoulas, G. P., Anagnostopoulos, M., Ghosal, A., Borocz, I., Solanas, A., Conti, M. in Patsakis, C. (2022). Research trends, challenges, and emerging topics in digital forensics: A review of reviews. IEEE Access, 10, 25464–25493. doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3154059
Additional information on implementation and assessment /
