Cybercrime investigation involves:

Incident Response: This is the first step that occurs when a cybercrime is reported. It involves assessment
of the situation, securing the affected systems and preserving available evidence to avoid further
damage and critical information loss.

Preliminary Assessment: This involves Investigators gathering initial information about the incident
which includes the type of cybercrime, the systems or networks affected and any details available about
the perpetrators. The aim of the assessment is to determine the incident scope and severity.

Evidence Gathering: This involves Investigators collecting and preserve digital evidence related to the
cybercrime. It may include data from affected systems, communication records, network logs, malware
samples and any other relevant information. Specialized tools and techniques are used to ensure the
integrity and admissibility of the evidence.

Digital Forensics: This involves the examination and analysis of the collected evidence. Forensic experts
employ various techniques to recover deleted or hidden data, analyze metadata, and reconstruct the
timeline of events. This process helps in identifying the methods used by the perpetrators and
understanding the extent of the damage caused.

Traceback and Attribution: An Investigator traces the origin of the cybercrime by analyzing IP addresses,
network traffic and other digital footprints left by the perpetrators. This may involve collaborating with
cybersecurity agencies, internet service providers (ISPs) or international partners to identify the location
and identity of the offenders.

Collaboration and sharing of Information: Often, Cybercrime investigations require collaboration

between several agencies and jurisdictions. Investigators closely work with national cybercrime units,
local law enforcement, international organizations and private sector entities to share information,
resources and expertise. The collaboration increases the chances of apprehending the perpetrators
successfully.

Analysis and Profiling: The Investigators usually carry out analysis of the gathered evidence to build a
profile of the attackers. This includes understanding their motivations, previous activities and
techniques. Profiling helps in developing a comprehensive understanding of the perpetrators, which can
aid in their identification and subsequent legal proceedings.

Legal Action: Once the investigation is complete and the evidence is gathered, law enforcement agencies
work with prosecutors to initiate legal action against the identified perpetrators. The case is presented in
court, and the evidence is used to prove the guilt of the accused.