It’s Your Identity Defend It Blog

Computer Forensics (also called cyber forensics), is the application of scientifically proven methods to gather, process, interpret and use digital evidence to provide a conclusive description of cyber crime activities. Cyber forensics also includes the act of making digital data suitable for inclusion into a criminal investigation. Once a thief has obtained data, computers are often used to create false identification, counterfeit checks, and other documents to commit fraud. Computer forensics plays a big role in helping law enforcement officials identify both the victims and perpetrators of identity theft.

The more information that is found via Cyber Forensic Applications , the better chance governments have in fighting Cyber Criminals. You can reduce your risks for identity theft, but you don’t have control over government agencies, hospitals, or retail stores that manage to lose your personal information.

The United States Senate has a Bill before them that would allow victims to seek restitution for any money and time they spent repairing their credit history. This legislation would also allow prosecutors more tools to combat identity theft and cyber crime, and would eliminate a requirement that the loss resulting from damage to a victim’s computer must exceed $5,000 in order to prosecute. This legislation would also make it a felony to use spyware or keyloggers to damage 10 or more computers and would expand the definition of cyber crime.

This legislation, called the Identity Theft and Enforcement Restitution Act of 2007, passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. If you would like to support this bill, contact your U.S. representative.

Your Internet Safety Advisors,

Dave Ballard & Bill Wardell

Filed under: Identity Theft