What is the difference between static and dynamic analysis in digital forensics?

What is the difference between static and dynamic analysis in digital forensics?

Static analysis in digital forensics refers to the examination and analysis of digital evidence without executing or running the software or system being investigated. It involves examining the static state of the evidence, such as file metadata, file content, file system structures, and registry entries. Static analysis is typically used to gather information about the evidence, identify potential artifacts, and establish a baseline for further analysis.

On the other hand, dynamic analysis in digital forensics involves the execution and observation of the software or system being investigated. It focuses on the behavior and interactions of the software or system during runtime. Dynamic analysis techniques include monitoring system calls, network traffic, memory usage, and process activity. It is used to understand the execution flow, identify malicious activities, and gather additional evidence that may not be visible through static analysis alone.

In summary, the main difference between static and dynamic analysis in digital forensics is that static analysis examines the evidence without execution, while dynamic analysis involves the execution and observation of the software or system to gather additional information and evidence.