Digital Evidence Research Paper

This artifact features my final research paper for IT‑36318: Survey of Information Security, Internet Fraud, and Computer Forensics at Kent State University. The paper examines the expanding role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations and how technology has reshaped investigative practices across local, state, and federal agencies.

The research explores the evolution of digital forensics, types of digital evidence commonly encountered, and the technical requirements for proper evidence collection, preservation, and authentication. It also evaluates legal and ethical considerations such as privacy protections, search warrant limitations, admissibility standards, and challenges posed by encryption and jurisdictional boundaries. Real‑world cases—including investigations involving IoT devices, cloud platforms, and mobile data—highlight how digital evidence provides precise timelines, geolocation information, and behavioral insights that strengthen investigative outcomes.

This paper demonstrates that digital evidence is indispensable to contemporary law enforcement, but its value depends on strict adherence to forensic methodology, legal safeguards, and continual adaptation to rapidly advancing technologies.

The full paper is available on this page as a PDF, with an embedded viewer for easy reading and an option to download the file.