What is the main focus of digital forensics?

The main focus of digital forensics is investigating and analyzing digital evidence. This field involves the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of data found on electronic devices in a manner that is legally acceptable. Digital forensics practitioners work to uncover how a digital crime was committed, what data was accessed or tampered with, and who was involved in the incident.

Through meticulous examination of computer systems, mobile devices, and networks, digital forensics aims to reconstruct events related to cyber incidents. This can involve recovering deleted files, analyzing metadata, and examining log files to track user activities. The overarching goal is to provide clarity and support in legal cases, corporate investigations, or cybersecurity incidents, making the ability to analyze digital evidence critical to the field.

Other areas like software development, network configuration, and maintaining IT infrastructure, while related to IT, do not focus specifically on the investigative processes essential to digital forensics. These tasks are more about building, managing, and ensuring the proper function of technology rather than uncovering and analyzing evidence linked to wrongful or illegal activities.