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@article{188124,
        author = {Dr. K. Prasanna Rani and Dr. T. Raghu Ram},
        title = {CYBER FORENSICS VS TRADITIONAL FORENSICS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {10},
        number = {12},
        pages = {3157-3166},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=188124},
        abstract = {The high rate of digitalisation in the modern society has shifted the face of criminal activities thus making the modern society rely more on forensic science in aiding legal investigations. Conventional forensic methods, including fingerprint sample examination, ballistics, DNA profiling, and examination of trace evidence, remain important in solving such physical crime cases. Nonetheless, these approaches are no longer effective due to the exponential growth in the number of cyber-enabled offences. Cyber forensics has become an important discipline that concerns itself with identifying, preserving, analyzing and reporting digital evidence supplementing the normal investigational paradigms. The article is critical of changes in the development of both of the branches of forensics and critical on the aspect by which a dual approach has been required by changing patterns of crime. This paper examines the underlying distinction between conventional and cyber forensic processes and how each area gathers, processes, and authenticates evidence. Classical forensics is very dependent on physical evidences, laboratory, and proven scientific theories, but cyber forensics needs specialisation to recover information, examine networks, malware, and trace digital footprints. Comparing the proficiencies and weaknesses of the two systems, the article highlights the direct impact of the nature of evidence tangible or digital one on the strategy and results of investigations. Also, to provide the evidence of the practical implementation, challenges, and increasing the necessity of the integrated forensic capabilities, the article also includes real-world case studies in India and other countries. The problems concerning the evidentiary standards, admissibility of digital evidence, legal gaps, and infrastructural limitations are examined to highlight the intricacies of the investigators and courts. The article concludes that a hybrid forensic system, which is a combination of conventional and cyber approach is necessary to combat crime in the modern society, enhance judicial procedures and to guarantee the accuracy of evidence in the fast growing digitalized society.},
        keywords = {Cyber Forensics, Traditional Forensics, Digital Evidence, Crime Investigation, Legal Challenges, Case Studies, Forensic Science Integration.},
        month = {December},
        }