The Basics of Digital Forensics provides a foundation for people new to the digital forensics field. This book offers guidance on how to conduct examinations by discussing what digital forensics is, the methodologies used, key tactical concepts, and the tools needed to perform examinations. Details on digital forensics for computers, networks, cell phones, GPS, the cloud and the Internet are discussed. Also, learn how to collect evidence, document the scene, and how deleted data can be recovered. The new Second Edition of this book provides the reader with real-world examples and all the key technologies used in digital forensics, as well as new coverage of network intrusion response, how hard drives are organized, and electronic discovery. This valuable resource also covers how to incorporate quality assurance into an investigation, how to prioritize evidence items to examine (triage), case processing, and what goes into making an expert witness.

"... this book is well named. It is an entry-level primer to digital forensics, and could be used as an introductory book in a beginning computer forensics course." --Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law, Vol 9, No 1

John Sammons is a distinguished scholar and educator in digital forensics, currently serving as a Professor at Marshall University and Associate Director of the Institute for Cyber Security. With a background as a Huntington Police officer, he has been recognized for his investigative work by the U.S. Department of Justice. He is the author and co-author of several notable books, including the acclaimed "The Basics of Digital Forensics," which was nominated for Digital Forensics Book of the Year in 2013. John also contributed to the digital forensics chapter of Douglas Ubelaker’s "Forensic Science: Current Issues, Future Directions." In addition to his academic roles, he is the Fusion Center Liaison Officer for the West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center and founded the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence, a non-profit focused on research and training in digital evidence. John holds multiple certifications and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the FBI Infragard. Before joining Marshall, he co-founded Second Creek Technologies, a digital forensics firm. He also teaches advanced digital forensics and firearms to graduate students and provides training for legal and law enforcement professionals.