In the information age, data has become a strategic asset that determines competitive advantages in both the public and private sectors. However, its value also makes it a frequent target of cyberattacks, leaks, and malicious manipulation. In response, national and international legal frameworks establish clear obligations regarding its handling, retention, and protection.
Colombia’s Statutory Law 1581 of 2012, Decree 1377 of 2021, and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reflect a global trend toward comprehensive protection of personal and sensitive data. Digital forensics plays a role in multiple stages of the data lifecycle, especially when incidents compromise data integrity.
From the recovery of deleted information to the analysis of digital traces on mobile devices and servers, forensic processes ensure that data can be used as valid evidence in administrative or judicial proceedings. This technical-legal approach requires rigorous protocols for acquisition, analysis, and documentation to guarantee the chain of custody and authenticity of evidentiary elements.
Moreover, it demands continuous training for forensic experts in emerging storage technologies, cryptography, and distributed systems, in order to maintain the effectiveness of their methods within a dynamic technological environment. Only through this specialization will professionals be able to respond effectively to high-complexity incidents in business, governmental, and judicial contexts.
The emergence of decentralized solutions such as blockchain, cloud computing, and big data presents new forensic analysis scenarios. In these contexts, it is essential to understand how data is stored, processed, and transmitted, as well as what measures can be taken to ensure its integrity and availability against attempts at tampering or theft.
It is also important to consider the concept of the “right to be forgotten,” regulated by the GDPR and partially addressed in Colombian legislation. From a forensic perspective, this right implies that data legally deleted should not leave recoverable traces that could be used in court without the explicit consent of the data subject. This introduces an ethical and technical dilemma in forensic practice.
Ultimately, protecting strategic data is not only a technical responsibility but also a legal and social duty. Institutions must invest in infrastructure, training, and awareness so that responsible data management becomes a priority at all organizational levels. Digital forensics, with its holistic approach, is a key tool in achieving this goal.
