6. Cyber-Dependent Crime, Cyber-Enabled Crime, and Digital Evidence

Computer forensic experts are commonly faced with the misconception that they work primarily on cybercrime. The reality is quite opposite, namely, that digital forensics is of importance in pretty much every possible type of crime, ranging from computer intrusions to theft. This chapter provides a discussion on what cybercrime is, but more importantly, gives the reader a presentation on how and in what cases digital evidence can be of use during criminal investigations. The aim of the chapter is to make the reader understand that in the modern world, we leave digital traces almost all the time. We may not always be aware of this fact, but knowing and understanding how digital traces are left behind are of great importance for a computer forensic expert. For instance, even if a criminal is conducting a crime without so much as looking at her phone or computer, chances are that she is using a chat client to talk to some friend about what she did. This action can leave incriminating evidence that can be valuable in court.