What type of characteristics can digital evidence examiners establish?

Digital evidence examiners are able to establish both class and individual characteristics from the data they analyze. Class characteristics refer to attributes that can be shared by a group, such as common software, file types, or hardware configurations across multiple devices. For instance, if several computers were found to have similar operating systems or malware signatures, an examiner could identify a class characteristic indicating a broader pattern or connection among those devices.

On the other hand, individual characteristics pertain to the unique traits that can be linked to a specific source or origin. In digital forensics, this could include, for example, unique device identifiers, user behaviors, or specific patterns of data usage that are not shared with other users or devices. Such individual characteristics allow examiners to establish a direct connection between digital evidence and a particular individual or device.

Thus, the ability to analyze both types of characteristics strengthens the overall investigation, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence and its context, enabling examiners to link individuals to criminal activities more effectively.