Re: Future trends in computer forensics

From: Gary L. Palmer (palmergat_private)
Date: Fri Oct 18 2002 - 07:02:23 PDT

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    Rod,
    I work at the Air Force Research lab in Rome, NY. From a conceptual, basic
    research perspective some items that are being worked on that will have
    significant impact in our field (Digital Evidence or Digital Forensic
    Science/Engineering - some would cringe at the phrase) present real challenges.
    Some are:
    - Understanding digital transformations - the detailed trial of processing that
    is employed from molecular storage of magnetic forces as voltages to the
    representation of that information on a monitor as human readable text. Not many
    understand the full spectrum of events. It may tell us volumes. This is true
    especially in light of Daubert/Kumho and FRE 702
    - The application of Lockard's Exchange Principle in the digital realm. Does it
    apply? This famous basic rule of all traditional forensic analysis has yet to be
    verified or falsified when considering forensic computer/network investigations.
    
    - Authorship attribution: many forensic disciplines are employed mostly to
    ascertain two important probative items (there are other items of course), 1.
    The irrefutable identity of the victim, and 2. the incontestable identity of the
    perpetrator. To date that has been very difficult to do in the digital world.
    Applications of Forensic Linguistics and Stylometery are rising to meet the
    digital challenge.
    - The application of rigorous, relatively slow moving Law enforcement techniques
    (mostly ex post facto) in forensic analysis of near-real-time operational
    environments (business and military).  This is a matter of time criticality and
    overall perspective. Prosecution verses Availability of service.  Which one
    drives.
    - Digital Forensic Analysis in a wireless/cellular environment. RIM Blackberry,
    Bluetooth, 802.11x, CDMA, GSM, 3G, 4GSM, etc.. Very complex and challenging.
    
    $.02
    Gary
    
    "Morris, Rod" wrote:
    
    > Hello everyone,
    >
    > I've been asked to say a few words for an interview concerning "the future
    > of computer forensics". Amongst other things I thought I'd mention the
    > challenges posed by (IMHO) an increasing use of encryption amongst users,
    > developments in forensic tools (such as EnCase Enterprise edition) and an
    > increasing awareness of the legal issues surrounding computer forensic
    > investigation.
    >
    > This specific interview aside, I'd be very interested to hear other opinions
    > on where we're going and what others working in this field think the major
    > technological challenges and developments are likely to be over the next few
    > years...
    >
    > Kind regards,
    >
    > Rod
    >
    > --
    > Rod Morris
    > KPMG
    > Forensic Technology
    > tel +31 (0) 20 656 8884
    > fax +31 (0) 20 656 7790
    > e-mail Morris.Rodat_private
    > X.400 c=NL;a=CONCERT;p=KPMG;s=morris;g=rod
    >
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