User-generated digital forensic evidence in graphic design applications

Graphic design applications are often used for the editing and design of digital art. The same applications can be used for creating counterfeit documents like identity documents (IDs), driver's licenses or passports among others. However the use of any graphic design application leaves behind traces of digital information which can be used during a digital forensic investigation. Current digital forensic tools do not examine a system specifically for the creating of counterfeit documents. The paper in hand reviews the digital forensics analysis process involved in the creation of counterfeit documents by determining and corroborating the events that previously occurred. The analysis is conducted on user generated files, the actual files that can be used as potential evidence to establish file structural contents. The acquired digital forensic information is corroborated to the creation of counterfeit documents and interpreted accordingly.