Digital forensics (sometimes known as digital forensic science) is the forensic science for the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crime or can be used to trace hacker activity. The term digital forensics was originally used as a synonym for computer forensics but has expanded to cover investigation of all devices capable of storing digital data.

The process of collection this digital data has to be retrieved via a very specific process, in order that it can be presented in a court of law. There having a good understanding of the process and tools (physical and software) required is crucial.