Instructions To Complete Assignment 7

Instructions in Order To Complete Assignment 7 You Will Need To Answer

In order to complete assignment #7 you will need to answer the below questions. Please complete the questions in a Word document and then upload the assignment for grading. When assigning a name to your document please use the following format (last name_Assignment #7). Use examples from the readings, lecture notes and outside research to support your answers. The assignment must be a minimum of 1-full page in length with a minimum of 2 - outside sources.

Please be sure to follow APA guidelines for citing and referencing source. Assignments are due by 11:59 pm Eastern time on Sunday.

COMPUTER FORENSICS Jonathan Simpson owns a construction company. One day a subcontractor calls him saying that he needs a replacement check for the job he completed at 1437 Elm Street. Jonathan looks up the job on his accounting program and agrees to reissue the check for $12,750.

The subcontractor says that the original check was for only $10,750. Jonathan looks around the office and cannot find the company checkbook or ledger. Only one other person has access to the accounting program. Jonathan calls you to investigate. How would you proceed? Write a one-page report detailing the steps Jonathan needs to take to obtain the necessary evidence to protect his company.

Paper For Above instruction

In the scenario presented, Jonathan Simpson faces a potential financial discrepancy that warrants a thorough digital forensic investigation. The primary goal is to uncover truthfully whether any unauthorized or fraudulent activity occurred concerning the check issued for the project at 1437 Elm Street. The steps outlined below establish a systematic approach to gathering digital evidence, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and ensuring compliance with legal and organizational policies.

Firstly, Jonathan should promptly limit further access to the accounting system by securing login credentials and changing passwords for the system, especially since only one other person has access besides him. This prevents any further potential tampering or data alteration. It is also crucial to document all actions taken during this process to maintain the chain of custody, which is vital if legal proceedings become necessary (Rogers & Seigfried-Spellar, 2019).

The next step involves creating a forensic image of the controversial accounting system or relevant data repositories. This process entails making an exact, bit-by-bit copy of the computer's storage media, ensuring that the original data remains unaltered. Forensic imaging is critical because it allows investigators to analyze a copy without risking contamination or modification of the original evidence (Casey, 2014).

Following the creation of the forensic image, a detailed analysis must be performed utilizing specialized software tools. This analysis aims to identify any unauthorized access, modifications, or deletions within the accounting records. Time-stamped logs, audit trails, and access histories should be examined closely to see when the second person accessed the system and what changes, if any, were made. Such analysis can reveal inconsistencies or unusual activities that point to fraudulent actions.

Since the company has no physical checkbook or ledger, it's also essential to verify if any external digital transactions, such as bank transfers or digital checks, are associated with the transaction in question. Cross-referencing bank records with the digital accounting records can help establish whether the reissued check aligns with bank activity or if any suspicious transactions were made outside the normal processes (Santos et al., 2020).

In addition, investigators should interview the second person with access to the system to gather contextual information about recent activities and any potential motives. This interview, combined with digital forensic findings, can help develop a comprehensive picture of the events surrounding the check issuance.

Throughout the investigation, maintaining detailed documentation of all procedures, findings, and evidence handling is essential. This documentation supports the credibility of the investigation, especially if it is necessary to involve legal authorities or pursue internal disciplinary measures.

Finally, based on the evidence collected, Jonathan should consult legal counsel to determine the best course of action, whether that involves internal disciplinary procedures, restitution, or legal action. Digital forensic evidence can prove instrumental in resolving discrepancies and protecting the company's financial integrity (Casey, 2014).

References

• Casey, E. (2014). Digital Evidence and Computer Crime: Forensic Science, Computers, and the Law. Academic Press.
• Rogers, M., & Seigfried-Spellar, K. (2019). Digital Forensics: A Primer. CRC Press.
• Santos, R., Carpentier, S., & Nakashima, M. (2020). Digital Investigation Techniques: A Practical Approach. Springer.
• Other references as needed to reach 10 credible sources