The field of digital forensics is constantly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) can and should play an increasingly important role. AI can be used to automate tasks, identify patterns, and make connections that would be impossible for us to do on our own. As a result, AI can help to make digital forensic investigations faster, more efficient, and more accurate. 

Note the use of “can help” instead of “is helping.” For years, we’ve seen many products across the software spectrum described as “AI powered” when they were nothing of the kind. It was a marketing gimmick. Now, however, that claim can become reality. 

Here are some of the ways that AI could transform digital forensic investigations: 

• Automating tasks: AI could be used to automate many of the time-consuming and repetitive tasks involved in digital forensic investigations. For example, AI can be used to scan large volumes of data for specific keywords or patterns, or to extract key intelligence from files. This would free up human investigators to focus on more complex tasks, such as analyzing those extractions for meaning in the context of the investigation.. 

• Identifying patterns: AI can be used to identify patterns in data that would be impossible for humans to see. For example, AI could be used to identify relationships between different pieces of evidence, or to detect anomalies in data that may indicate suspicious activity. This information could be used to develop leads and build out a timeline of user behavior.

• Making connections: AI can be used to make connections between different pieces of evidence that would not be possible for humans to see. For example, AI could be used to achieve the elusive task of placing the suspect at the keyboard by analyzing their online activity or social media posts. This could allow us to say “Johnny Doe double-clicked the desktop shortcut that opened Super Secret Company Info.xlsx” instead of “someone logged into the user account john.doe double-clicked…” 

As AI continues to develop, it must play a role in digital forensic investigations. AI has the potential to revolutionize the field, making investigations faster, more efficient, and more accurate. That won’t put us out of work. (An AI isn’t going to be sworn in and take the stand to explain the case to the jury. Not any time soon, anyway.) That will allow us to do better work for our clients. 

At Red Forensic, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve in the field of digital forensics. We are constantly investing and learning, to ensure that we can provide our clients with the best possible service. We want that process to include AI. Which vendors will make that possible? Will it be one of the existing tool providers, or will some unknown visionary show up? We’ll be watching, and we’re willing to participate. If you want ideas and energy to advance such development, you want to see Red.