Research Area: Digital Forensics
This program of research focused on incorporating Behavioral Analysis (BA) within the digital forensics investigation process. A review of previously developed digital forensics investigation models indicated a lack of sufficient consideration of the behavioral and motivational dimensions of offending, and the way in which digital evidence can be used to address these issues during the investigation process. This program of research aimed to build on previous work by scientific researchers and investigators by developing a digital forensics investigation model which incorporates greater consideration of the behavioral and motivational implications of case-related digital evidence based on current theoretical understandings of these aspects of offending from forensic psychology. This can aid with understanding of the crime events and reconstruction, and lead to the development of more detailed models and guidelines for examining computer-facilitated interpersonal crimes.
he first study employed an deductive approach to forensically analyze individual cases (real cases obtained from the Dubai Police archives) applying BA to the online Sexually Exploitative Imagery of Children (SEIC) and cyber stalking. Its aim was to investigate what BA could contribute to the digital forensics investigation of cases within these crime categories.
Based on the findings from the conducted studies, a digital forensics investigation model that incorporates aspects of BA was designed. It aimed to provide a pragmatic, structured, multidisciplinary approach to performing a postmortem examination, analysis, and interpretation of the content of the digital devices associated with computer-facilitated interpersonal crimes.
Name of the Researcher: Noora Ahmad Al Mutawa
Name of the Supervisor(s): Joanne Bryce
Year of Completion: 2018
University: University of Central Lancashire
Thesis Link: Home Page Url
