Ethical Considerations in Forensic Examination: Protecting User Privacy and Data Integrity

Even though the contents of the zip file are encrypted, the file names and metadata associated with the files within the zip may still be visible. Autopsy allows forensic examiners to browse file metadata, extract relevant information, and conduct keyword searches within the file system. Autopsy's Timeline Analysis feature can also help identify patterns of file access and modifications. By analyzing the metadata and file names, I might be able to gain insight into the nature of the data contained in the zip file. Another option would be that password managers or notes saved in files on the system often store credentials for account information. I would check the device for any clues to the password for the zip file. I would also look for evidence of the encryption key on the device. Just to preface, I actually consider this to be unethical because I value protecting an individual’s right to privacy, but it is  a common practice. In some cases, the forensic examiner recommends that Bob’s encryption key be subpoenaed. While a defendant can navigate their right to not incriminate themselves, defendants often divulge this information when subpoenaed because they do not understand their right to not incriminate themselves. 


I would perform research to identify any vulnerabilities I could exploit to gain access. For example, Everything you need to know about a new 7-Zip vulnerability discusses a potentially exploitable vulnerability that would allow me to escalate my privileges to gain access: “A couple of days ago a new vulnerability was discovered by GitHub user Kagancapar in the popular 7-Zip file archiver, which allows gaining administrator privileges on Windows. The vulnerability has not been fixed yet, as the latest version of the application 21.07 has been released on 26/12/2021.” 


The forensic examiner could also take measures to identify the password with a brute force attack or a dictionary attack. If the forensic examiner went this route, it would be extremely important to receive written authorization and document extensively the entire process taken. This method opens the forensic examiner to risk and is unlikely to produce the desired results because it may take an unreasonable amount of time to recover the password. Users often create low quality passwords; however, making this method a possibility for a forensic examiner. I believe in the right to privacy, so the crime would have to justify the breach in privacy to the user. If I were faced with this dilemma, I do not believe I would justify this kind of invasion for a corporate case; however, I would do it in a case where another individual was being harmed, like in a child pornography, domestic violence, or abduction case. Despite the popular opinion that the court process is a money making opportunity, the intent behind the court process requires the court to prioritize user privacy and security while carrying out forensic investigations. It is vital to obtain appropriate authorization for any investigative actions, and it is vital to operate ethically whether others in the court system choose to or not.


References: 

Scappman Team. (2022, August 5). A new 7-zip vulnerability has been detected - are you protected?. Scappman. https://www.scappman.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-new-7-zip-vulnerability#:~:text=A%20couple%20of%20days%20ago,on%2026%2F12%2F2021.


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