Digital forensics is an integral part of cyber crime investigation today. Equally important to the investigation process is a robust security response plan policy in place on the backend. This policy not only aids in the successful execution of a digital forensics process but also helps prevent future attacks.

The digital forensics process consists of several stages, including the initial Incident response, identification of the cybercrime, collection, and preservation of digital evidence, analysis, and resolution. Let us dive deeper into each of these stages to fully understand the process.

Incident Response

The start of the digital forensics process is Incident response. This is perhaps where the security response plan policy plays the most critical role. When an incident is first discovered, calm and calculated reaction is key. Panic or unplanned actions can lead to data loss or further harm. A well-structured security response plan lays out the steps to be followed during the initial reaction, including who to inform, what immediate action to take, and documenting every step for future reference.

Identification

Following the initial response, the next phase is to identify the extent and nature of the cybercrime. This involves tracing the origin of the cyber attack, figuring out how they breached your security, the data affected, and other valuable details. These findings will heavily impact how the situation is handled moving forward.

Collection and Preservation

The collection and preservation of digital evidence are critical to a robust investigation. This phase requires a mix of technology understanding and standard investigation techniques. Evidence often found includes emails, documents, system logs, and other digital files. Preservation of this data ensures it remains unchanged from its initial state at the time of the crime.

Analysis

Once the data is collected, it needs to be meticulously analyzed to realize its relation to the crime. Going through the data may provide insights into the attacker's motive, their identity, the kind of breach, the software used, and possibly uncover other threats that were initially unidentified. This information feeds back into the security response plan policy, making it more robust and effective.

Resolution

The final stage of the digital forensics process is resolution. After the detailed analysis, the final reports should provide decisive evidence to inform any necessary action, whether legal recourse, strengthening security infrastructure, or employee training. It will also offer the company a way forward that is informed by the vulnerabilities and threats they encountered.

In conclusion, the importance of a robust security response plan policy cannot be overemphasized in the digital forensics process. One must ensure that they are regularly updated and tested to match the rapidly evolving digital threat landscape. A well-executed digital forensics process, aided by an effective security response plan policy, not only brings resolution but also valuable lessons that improve future security infrastructure.