Assessment Task Students must produce a 2000-word analytical report that: Explains the digital forensic investigation process Critically evaluates major forensic standards Applies these frameworks to a realistic cybercrime scenario

IM521 Digital Forensics Assessment Task 2 – Digital Forensic Standards and Investigation Framework Report Weight: 30%

Due: Week 9

Word Limit: 2000 words (+/- 10%)

Unit Learning Outcomes Assessed LO2 Apply advanced tools and techniques to conduct digital forensic investigations LO3 Critically analyse ethical and legal challenges in digital forensics LO4 Critique forensic methods and tools to preserve digital evidence LO5 Identify and interpret digital artefacts in complex investigations

Purpose of the Assessment Digital forensic investigations must follow structured standards, guidelines, and legal procedures to ensure that digital evidence is correctly collected, preserved without alteration, analysed using validated tools, and presented in court as admissible evidence. This assessment requires students to critically evaluate major digital forensic standards and apply them to a simulated investigation scenario.

Assessment Task Students must produce a 2000-word analytical report that:

Explains the digital forensic investigation process Critically evaluates major forensic standards Applies these frameworks to a realistic cybercrime scenario Analyses legal and ethical issues Provides professional recommendations Recommended Report Structure

Introduction (Approx. 200 words) Introduce digital forensics, explain the importance of digital evidence in modern investigations, describe the role of standards and frameworks, and outline the structure of the report.

Digital Forensic Investigation Process (Approx. 400 words) Explain the digital forensic lifecycle including identification, preservation, collection, examination, analysis, and presentation. Reference frameworks such as NIST Digital Forensics Framework, ISO/IEC 27037, and ACPO Digital Evidence Principles.

Analysis of Digital Forensic Standards (Approx. 500 words) Analyse at least two digital forensic standards such as ISO/IEC 27037, NIST SP 800-86, ACPO Digital Evidence Principles, or the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM). Discuss scope, key principles, advantages, and limitations.