How do you analyze metadata in digital forensic investigations?

Analyzing metadata can assist forensic investigators in uncovering hidden information or verifying digital evidence by providing valuable insights into a file’s origin, history, and background. Metadata includes details such as creation date, modification history, author information, and even location data in some cases. By examining metadata associated with digital files, investigators can reconstruct timelines, verify the authenticity of documents, establish the chain of custody, and potentially identify sources or individuals involved in a digital incident. This can be crucial in validating evidence, understanding the context of digital artifacts, and linking various pieces of information together to build a comprehensive picture of a digital crime.