The process of identifying, analyzing, and responding to criminal activities that occur in the digital realm. It involves the use of various techniques and tools to uncover and track down individuals or groups who engage in illegal activities online. Cybercrime investigators work to collect and preserve digital evidence, such as data breaches, hacking incidents, online fraud, identity theft, and various forms of online misconduct.

Ethical hacking involves proactive testing and vulnerability assessment, while IT security focuses on implementing protective measures to mitigate risks and safeguard digital resources. Both fields are crucial in today's digital age, where the constant evolution of cyber threats requires ongoing efforts to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and technology systems.

Digital forensics, a specialized branch of forensic science that deals with the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence in the context of criminal investigations or legal proceedings. It primarily involves the collection and examination of electronic data, such as computer systems, mobile devices, servers, and digital storage media, to uncover information relevant to a legal case.