How can you ensure your computer forensic process is transparent and repeatable?

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Computer forensics is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence from computers and other devices in a way that is admissible and reliable in legal proceedings. However, to ensure the validity and integrity of the evidence, computer forensic practitioners need to follow a transparent and repeatable process that can withstand scrutiny and challenge. In this article, you will learn how to apply some best practices and standards to your computer forensic process and improve your results.

本文章的要点总结

Secure digital signatures:

Right at evidence collection, obtain a digital signature to verify that data remains unaltered. This fortifies your findings against challenges, ensuring the transparency and repeatability of the process.
Detailed documentation:

Document every step, from acquisition to analysis. This includes checksums and tool reports. A well-documented process is clear proof of your due diligence and reinforces the reliability of your findings.

本摘要由 AI 和以下专家提供支持

Michal Krzeminski

Digital forensics, vehicle accident and…
Yagyak Dutta

Exterro ACE | FTK Certified Engineer |…

1 Define the scope and objectives

Before you start any computer forensic investigation, you need to clearly define the scope and objectives of the case. This means identifying the relevant devices, data sources, custodians, time frames, and questions that need to be answered. You also need to document the legal authority, ethical considerations, and confidentiality requirements that apply to the case. By defining the scope and objectives, you can plan your resources, methods, and tools accordingly and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant actions.

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Michal Krzeminski

Digital forensics, vehicle accident and crime investigation, prisons, firearms.
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During collection of electronic evidence from motor vehicles apart from trusted tools implementing SAE J1698, like BOSCH CDR, several other information sources exist. Some of them lack the internal safeties like secured digital containers, digital signatures, checksums and so on. Plain-text files are often generated (clear text ASCII, XML, logs...). Binary dumps are collected as well. They should not be excluded from the case evidence, however defence (or prosecution, depending on the case) can and will do about anything to exclude these from proceeding. Obtaining a digital signature "in statu nascendi" (right at collection) will ensure that the content is unchanged and prove the timestamp as well. Chances of rebuttal are reduced.

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Yagyak Dutta

Exterro ACE | FTK Certified Engineer | MSAB C&I | MCFE | CHFIv9 | Cyber security, Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime investigator, Trainer and Instructor with a Spark for Management
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In any forensic investigation the stage of identification and acquisition are of the utmost importance. A well documented identification report shall be made defining not only identifiers of the digital devices but also their owner details along with its usage and types of applications installed. This not only helps in creating a full and complete report after analysis but also gives you leads that may prove useful while acquisition of other devices. In the cases of cloud and servers many stakeholders may be involved spanning over the globe with different legal frameworks for digital evidence. Hence a little bit of research and getting all stakeholders onboard together while documenting every stage will take you a long way ahead quickly.

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Arinaitwe Bernard

Accomplished Compliance and Data Privacy Specialist | Expert in Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, and Fraud Prevention | Proven Track Record in Driving Organizational Excellence
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To ensure transparency and repeatability in the computer forensic process, following these steps would greatly help: - Clearly document standard operating procedures - Implement a robust chain of custody system - Maintain detailed case notes and documentation - Use trusted forensic tools and software - Apply rigorous verification and validation procedures - Encourage peer review and collaboration - Provide comprehensive training and certification to examiners - Conduct periodic quality assurance audits - Create a secure and organized evidence repository - Conduct a thorough review after concluding an investigation

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?? Anne Trotter

IT Security for Saliense
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Adding in: Audit logs. Securely generate, offload, and store your *thorough* audit logs of your investigative process which timestamp to a known good time source, like a government UTC clock.

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2 Follow the forensic principles

The forensic principles are the core guidelines that govern the computer forensic process and ensure its reliability and admissibility. These principles include preservation, which stresses the importance of preserving the original evidence without altering, damaging, or destroying it. Acquisition is another principle that requires the evidence to be acquired in a forensically sound manner, using approved tools and techniques that can produce verifiable copies or images of the data. Analysis is necessary to logically, objectively, and unbiasedly examine the evidence using appropriate methods and tools. Finally, presentation is needed to present the evidence in a clear, concise, and accurate way. Suitable formats and media must be used to convey the findings and conclusions to the intended audience.

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Yagyak Dutta

Exterro ACE | FTK Certified Engineer | MSAB C&I | MCFE | CHFIv9 | Cyber security, Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime investigator, Trainer and Instructor with a Spark for Management
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I have always considered the acquisition part of the forensic process to be of utmost importance as it has the ability to make or break your case. Any checksums generated must be documented with original reports generated from the tools used for acquisition. Analysis also can be categorised further into smaller processes where you can first extract the relevant data out of the entire dump and then classify, categorise and index it to generate quality findings quickly. During the presentation phase its important to present all documentation as supporting files to the main report which itself should clearly tackle facts in issue while discussing outcomes, corroborations and findings in a precise and consolidated manner

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3 Document the process and results

Documentation is an essential part of the computer forensic process, as it records the actions, decisions, and outcomes of the investigation. This documentation should include a case report summarizing the details, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions of the case. Additionally, a chain of custody should be created to record the custody and handling of evidence from acquisition to presentation. A log of activities is also necessary to document the steps and actions taken during the investigation. Finally, a report of findings should be created detailing the analysis and interpretation of evidence, including data types, formats, structures, artifacts and indicators, timelines and events, and links and associations.

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4 Validate the process and results

Validation is the process of verifying and testing the computer forensic process and results to ensure their accuracy and reliability. This should involve a peer review, where another qualified and independent computer forensic practitioner reviews the process and results for errors, inconsistencies, or biases. Tool testing is also important, as it tests the tools and techniques used during the investigation, using known or simulated data sets, to check for functionality, compatibility, and performance. Lastly, quality assurance is necessary to ensure compliance, consistency, and completeness of the process and results with established standards, guidelines, and protocols.

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5 Update your skills and knowledge

Computer forensics is a dynamic and evolving field, with new technologies, trends, and challenges emerging constantly. To stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices, you need to update your skills and knowledge regularly. Attending training courses, workshops, or seminars that cover relevant topics and skills in computer forensics is one way to do this. You can also read books, journals, articles, or blogs that provide information and insights on current and emerging issues and solutions in computer forensics. Additionally, joining professional associations, networks, or communities can offer opportunities for learning, sharing, and collaborating with other computer forensic practitioners.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure your computer forensic process is transparent and repeatable?

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1 Define the scope and objectives

2 Follow the forensic principles

3 Document the process and results

4 Validate the process and results

5 Update your skills and knowledge

6 Here’s what else to consider

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