What are artifacts in the context of digital forensics?

In digital forensics, artifacts refer to the digital traces that are created as a result of user activity on electronic devices. These can include various types of data, such as internet browsing history, application usage logs, email metadata, and files created or modified by a user. These artifacts provide crucial insights into user behavior, timelines of actions taken on a device, and can be vital in understanding the context of incidents or crimes that involve digital evidence.

By analyzing these digital traces, forensic investigators can reconstruct events, determine the actions of users, and gather evidence that could lead to a better understanding of the situation at hand. The study of these artifacts is a fundamental part of a forensic investigation, as they often reveal patterns and information that are not immediately visible through other forms of evidence.