Digital forensic tools: Why ease of use is essential

The digital forensic tools we rely on must not only be powerful enough to perform deep dives into intricate data sources, but also intuitive enough for a diverse range of users. Digital forensic evidence analysis is reviewed by a wide range of professionals, from highly-trained forensic examiners, to investigators with basic forensic knowledge, to legal professionals—such as prosecutors—who may have minimal technical expertise. As a result, ease of use is not a luxury but a necessity to meet the unique needs of these varied users.

In this blog, we will explore why ease of use is vital for different levels of users, how digital forensic tools can achieve this balance without sacrificing the depth required for thorough digital evidence analysis, and why the ability to present complex findings in a clear and understandable way is critical for the legal process.

The different levels of users

1. Trained digital forensic incident response personnel

These are the specialists who have undergone extensive training in digital forensics. They have the skills to navigate complex file systems, delve into databases, analyze network traffic, and interpret a wide variety of digital artifacts. For this group, ease of use means having advanced functionalities that streamline their work without impeding access to critical, lower-level data. The digital forensic tools should not get in the way of their deep technical dives, but rather enhance their ability to explore and analyze digital evidence.

A forensic suite that caters to this audience can offer:

• Detailed reports with full visibility into raw data
• Advanced filtering options to narrow down large sets of digital forensic evidence
• Automated processes for repetitive tasks, such as extracting, parsing, and production of portable cases so experts can focus on analysis

2. Investigators with limited or minimal forensic training

In many scenarios, investigators from law enforcement or private sector organizations play a crucial role in digital evidence review, especially when resources are limited, or workloads are high. These professionals may possess some familiarity with digital forensics but lack the depth to conduct comprehensive forensic analysis independently. For these users, ease of use translates to tools that streamline investigative workflows, directing their focus to the most relevant artifacts, and offering intuitive data visualizations.

Investigators benefit from capabilities such as:

• User-friendly interfaces that spotlight key digital artifact categories
• Automated identification and highlighting of critical evidence (e.g., communication records, location data)
• Simplified filtering options to narrow down critical evidence quickly, minimizing the need to navigate raw data

3. Prosecutors and legal professionals

Prosecutors and other legal professionals who review digital forensic evidence usually have limited training in digital forensics. Their primary concern is understanding the findings clearly and ensuring that the evidence can be presented in court in a way that is both compelling and easy for juries and judges to grasp.

For these legal professionals, ease of use means:

• Concise, jargon-free reports that explain forensic findings in plain language
• Visualizations that tell a story, such as timelines or communication links
• Exportable reports that can be easily shared and integrated into legal filings
• Confidence in the integrity of the evidence, presented in a way that can withstand legal scrutiny

The challenge: Combining depth with simplicity

One of the major challenges for developers of digital forensic tools is balancing the need for sophisticated analysis with simplicity in presentation. Tools must allow examiners to dive deep into file systems, databases, encrypted data, and complex network traffic while providing simplified outputs that non-technical stakeholders can understand.

For instance, a trained forensic examiner may want to conduct a low-level examination of a file system’s metadata, trace file changes through version histories, and verify data integrity through cryptographic hashes. Simultaneously, an investigator might just need to see the contents of a folder, track file access, or find communication records. The prosecutor, in turn, might only need to know if a file was accessed and when, with a clear explanation of its relevance to the case.

To address this challenge, modern digital forensic tools often employ:

• Simplified evidence processing and presentation: By simplifying how data is processed and presented to users allows for complex forensic data presentation to each user’s needs, ensuring clarity and accessibility. Forensic examiners gain full access to raw artifacts and in-depth metadata for rigorous analysis, while investigators can review critical evidence without overwhelming technical details. Prosecutors and legal professionals are provided with clear summaries, showcasing key evidence making it easy to explain findings in court. This approach ensures each stakeholder can understand and communicate evidence effectively.
• Streamlined reporting: Digital forensic tools can generate user-friendly, easily customizable reports that summarize the key findings in non-technical language, while still maintaining a link to the underlying data for more advanced users.

• Visual analytics: Tools can visualize complex data relationships, such as social media interactions or file access patterns, in a way that’s accessible to non-technical users but also detailed enough for experts.

Magnet Forensics tools that strike the balance

Here are several examples of Magnet Forensics’ tools that effectively strike the balance between ease of use and advanced capabilities:

• Magnet Axiom: Magnet Axiom is designed to provide deep forensic capabilities for trained professionals while offering intuitive workflows and powerful automation for less experienced investigators. Its intuitive interface presents an overview of findings, while forensic examiners can delve deeper into specific artifacts like file systems or application data. For example, we see below how Axiom has located and presented key artifacts for quick examination.  Axiom also provides Digital Examiners with file level access through the file explorer that can facilitate a deeper dive investigation. Moreover, Axiom’s ability to export portable cases of raw collected data as well as clear and concise reports makes it an excellent choice for presenting findings to legal professionals.

• Magnet Griffeye: For law enforcement investigations, Magnet Griffeye stands out in the digital forensic space not only for its powerful media analysis capabilities but also for its focus on shared intelligence and officer wellness. One of Griffeye’s key features is the Griffeye Intelligence Database (GID), which allows investigators to collaborate by sharing intelligence across cases and agencies. This capability enhances efficiency as users can avoid duplicating work, leveraging previously identified files to quickly focus on new evidence. Additionally, Griffeye emphasizes officer wellness by incorporating features like blurred image previews and AI-assisted categorization of harmful content, helping reduce the exposure of investigators to traumatic material. These tools are designed to support the mental health of digital forensic investigators, making Griffeye a leader in both technological innovation and officer well-being.
  
  
• Magnet Review: Magnet Review is designed to enable investigators, legal professionals, and other stakeholders to access, review, and collaborate on digital evidence from anywhere, and on nearly any device. This flexibility is especially valuable in remote or geographically dispersed investigations. By offering web-based access, Magnet Review allows users to securely log in from their laptops, tablets, or mobile devices to examine case data, ensuring that the review process is not restricted by location or hardware.

For investigators and legal professionals, this means:

• Review on the go: Users can access case files and continue their analysis without needing a forensics workstation. This flexibility enhances collaboration across teams and reduces delays, which is especially valuable in time-sensitive cases.
• Simplified interface: Magnet Review provides an easy-to-navigate platform, helping investigators with limited technical expertise review the key evidence without needing to interact with the complex technical side of the forensic tool.
• Collaboration and feedback: Legal professionals can review reports and evidence, add annotations, and collaborate with forensic examiners and investigators in real time. This ensures smoother communication and a shared understanding of the evidence across teams.

By enabling review from almost any device, Magnet Review bridges the gap between forensic examiners, investigators, and legal professionals, allowing them to work together efficiently no matter where they are.

Why ease of use will continue to be a priority

As both the volume and complexity of digital evidence grow, ease of use will remain a key factor in digital forensic tool development. We live in an era where digital evidence is increasingly crucial for a wide range of investigations, from corporate HR inquiries to criminal investigations. Forensic tools need to evolve not only to keep up with technology, but also to meet the needs of their diverse users.

In summary, ease of use in digital forensic tools matters because it ensures that trained examiners can work efficiently without unnecessary obstacles, investigators can glean meaningful insights from evidence without being overwhelmed, and legal professionals can understand and present digital evidence effectively in court. The ability to offer a balance of depth and simplicity will continue to define the success of digital forensic tools in the future. As you choose digital forensic tools for your organization, consider the needs of all users. Whether you’re a seasoned examiner or a legal professional with no technical background, the right tools can make all the difference in the success of your case.