Investigating Cyber Crime

Investigating Cyber Crime

Case study:

You are acting in the role of a law enforcement official gathering evidence against a suspected online pedophile. The individual in question is suspected of enticing children through online chats, e-mail, and text messaging. Additionally, this individual is thought to be using information obtained through credit card fraud to pay for his online activity and camouflage his identity.

How would you gather evidence on the suspected individual?

Use the concepts in your learning from the class to explain your course of investigation and methods of research, including (but not limited to):

  • Description of the use of computer operating system data you would use in investigating the case

  • Your specific investigation relative to how the individual obtained credit card data

  • Specifics in terms of use of identity theft and high-tech crime investigative protocols

  • Method(s) you would employ in e-mail tracking

  • Specifics in terms of chat investigation protocols you would employ

  • Specific techniques for online intelligence gathering you would employ

  • Method or methods you would employ for exceptions to the search warrant requirement to obtain information

  • Procedures you would follow for obtaining a search warrant if necessary

  • Methods you would use to extract, transport, and store digital evidence from the suspects PC

  • Methods you would use to research and recover computer files deleted by the suspect

  • Methods you would use to access data files encrypted by the suspect

As part of your research for this project, investigate prior real-life cases with fact patterns similar to this case study. Include in your paper commentary on how the real-life cases may have impacted the current methods for handling digital evidence.

Your paper should be 5–6 pages in length. You will have to conduct outsider research for this project.

The paper:

  • Length should be 5 – 6 pages, excluding cover page and references page

  • Viewpoint and purpose should be clearly established and sustained

  • Assignment should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.).

  • Writing should be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful

  • Your work should display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics

  • Appropriate citation style should be followed

You should also make sure to:

  • Include a title page with full name, class name, section number, and date

  • Include an introductory and concluding paragraph and demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard American English

  • Use double-space and Arial or Times New Roman in 12 point font size

  • Use examples to support your discussion

  • Cite all sources on a separate reference page at the end of your paper and cited within the body of your paper using APA format