What is digital forensics and incident response (DFIR)?

Digital forensics is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence in order to investigate and solve computer-related crimes or incidents. This can involve analyzing data stored on a computer or other digital devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to identify potential evidence of a crime or security breach. Digital forensics may be used in a variety of settings, including law enforcement, corporate investigations, and civil litigation.

Incident response, on the other hand, is the process of addressing and mitigating the effects of a security breach or other IT incident. This can include identifying the source of the incident, containing it to prevent further damage, and restoring affected systems to normal operation. Digital forensics may be a key part of incident response, as it can help identify the source of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

Together, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) form an important part of modern cybersecurity efforts, helping organizations investigate and address security incidents in a thorough and effective manner.