What are common signs of data tampering?

The presence of unexpected file changes, inconsistencies in metadata, or altered timestamps is a strong indicator of data tampering. These signs suggest that the integrity of the data has been compromised, often through unauthorized access or modifications. Metadata, which includes crucial information such as the creation date, last modified date, and file size, is essential for establishing the authenticity and timeline of digital evidence. When these details are altered in ways that do not align with normal activity or expected behavior, it signals potential tampering activities. Recognizing these patterns is critical for forensic investigators as it helps them determine the authenticity of digital evidence and understand the sequence of events leading up to the incident under investigation.

By contrast, unexplained power outages, software crashes, and increased network traffic do not directly relate to data integrity and may result from a myriad of other technical issues that do not necessarily involve tampering. These issues might affect the analysis environment but do not provide direct evidence of intentional data manipulation.