A Process Model to Enhance the Accuracy of Digital Forensic Investigations: A case of National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA-Uganda)

Abstract

The field of digital forensics has become commonplace due to the increasing prevalence of technology since the late 20th century and the inevitable relevance of this technology in the conducting of criminal activity. In traditional forensics, the evidence is generally something tangible that could identify the criminal, such as hair, blood or fingerprints. In contrast, digital forensics deals with files and data in digital form extracted from digital devices like computers, and phones, among other digital devices, meaning is derived from the fact that a computer or computerised device is the subject or object of crime. In this paper, we explore the challenges faced by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) digital forensic investigation and develop a process model that enhances the accuracy of digital forensic investigation. We adopted a mixed method approach of research involving qualitative, quantitative and experimental design. The study makes significant findings in areas of enhancement accuracy of digital forensic investigation by enumerating the processes that must be followed. As a recommendation for future work, for purposes of generalisation of the study findings, a wider study involving other security agencies such as the police should be conducted.