Difference Between Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

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Published On July 3rd, 2025

Reading Time 3 Min Read

Various professionals and normal users want to understand the difference between cybersecurity and digital forensics. Keep reading this informative write-up and understand the complete, detailed information about cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Understanding of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, damage, or theft. It involves the implementation of tools, policies, and controls to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad) of information.

Key Cybersecurity Domains

#1 Network Security

Utilising firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNs to defend internal networks against intrusions.

Tools: pfSense and Cisco, ASA Firewall.

#2 Security of Endpoints

Using patching, EDR, and antivirus software to protect individual devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.)

Tools: Symantec’s CrowdStrike, Falcon, etc.

#3 Security of Applications

Utilising vulnerability scanning, fuzz testing, and code review to secure applications.

Tools: BurpSuite, OWASP Top 10, etc.

#4 Cloud Protection

Safeguarding cloud services and infrastructure (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

Tools: Azure Security Centre, AWS Guard Duty.

#5 Management of Identity and Access (IAM)

Ensuring that the appropriate people have timely access to the appropriate resources.

Tools: Okta and Active Directory.

#6 GRC stands for governance, risk, and compliance

Ensuring that company policies comply with regulations, guidelines, and industry best practices.

Tools: NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001.

Cyber Threats

Malware, ransomware, phishing, APTs, and zero-day exploits are all examples of cyber threats.

DDoS attacks, insider threats, social engineering, and many more.

Cybersecurity Tools

SIEM: Splunk, QRadar, etc.
Firewall/IDS/IPS: Snort, Suricata, etc.
Vulnerability Management: Nessus, OpenVAS, etc.
Network Scanner: Nmap, Angry IP Scanner, etc.
WAPT Tools: Brupsuit, Acunetix, Nikto, etc.

Read Next: Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Understanding of Digital Forensics

Digital Forensics is the scientific process of finding, maintaining, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence. It is used for criminal investigations, corporate investigations, and cyber incident response.

Stages of Digital Forensics

#1 Identification

Locating potential sources of evidence

(USB, computers, cloud, Mobiles, etc.)

#2 Conservation

Forensic duplication (bit-by-bit copy) and retrieve mobile data without modifying original data.

Tools: FTK Imager, EnCase, dd, Cellebrite UFED, Mobiledit, etc.

#3 Analysis

Sorting through data for evidence (logs, files, emails, metadata).

Tools: autopsy, X-Ways, Magnet Forensic, MailXaminer

#4 Documentation

Maintaining proper records of activities completed, equipment used, and dates.

#5 Presentation

Reporting results in legal report styles, such as expert reports and testifying in court.

Types of Digital Forensics

Computer Forensics:- Hard drives, file systems (Linux ext4, exFAT, NTFS, registry forensics, etc.)
Mobile Device Forensics:- iOS and Android, WhatsApp, Mails, etc., and location data.
Network Forensics:- PCAP, logs, and attack reconstruction.
Cloud Forensics:- Investigating SaaS (Software as a Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) platforms (AWS, Azure logs).
Memory Forensics:- RAM dump (live analysis) or malware analysis. Tools:- Volatility Framework and many more.

Cybersecurity Vs Digital Forensics

ComponentCybersecurityDigital ForensicsGoal Prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threatsInvestigate, analyze, and document digital incidentsNature Proactive, continuous, realtime defenseReactive, analyzing evidence after an incidentSoftware

Tools

Firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEMs, and AVsFTK, EnCase, Cellebrite, X-Ways, AutopsySituational

Use

Normally performed in active monitoring and incident preventionFollowing a breach to recover as much evidence as possible and report findingsRegulatory Compliance Follow, but usually guided by internal policies/corporate complianceMust follow strict legal protocols; evidence must be certified as court-admissible.

Real-World Scenario to Understand Difference Between Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

A company suffers from a ransomware attack

Cybersecurity determines which machines are infected, quarantines the infected machines, blocks the IPs, and goes through the logs.
The Digital Forensics team examines the infected machines, retrieves data, identifies how the attack came in (through the phishing email), and secures evidence for any forensic follow-up or legal action.