Introduction
Incident response and forensics investigations are closely related aspects of managing the activities that occurs after an information technology (IT) incident occurs. In this paper, we will explore the various aspects of incident response and forensics as they apply to an IT incident and by examining the details in the enclosed case study, we will show how those aspects apply to that situation. To begin with, we will discuss the differences between incident response and forensic activities. Next, we will cover some of the challenges involved with first responder handling of evidence as it applies to incident response and computer forensics. We will also be covering some of the steps required for a comprehensive forensics and incident response plan. Additionally, we will outline the steps required for effective integration of forensics and incident response procedures in externally contracted forensic situations. Lastly, we will present a brief evaluation of the incident response resources available to manage incident response and forensics activities. The Differences Between Incident Response and Forensics
Understanding the differences between incident response and forensic activities is a key aspect of any effective organizational IT management plan. Due to their similarities and their close relationship to each other, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably but it is important to understand they each have their own specific function. Both
Forensic Science is defined as the application of science and scientific methods to civil and criminal laws. Forensic Science in itself is an incredibly broad topic. This can apply to many careers, such as forensic accounting. In this paper, I will be discussing forensic science and crime scene investigation as it relates to law enforcement. With advancements in technology, forensic science and crime scene investigations are not only intriguing, but also a vital, ever changing and growing career field.
Forensics is an extracurricular activity offered to students in 6th, 7th & 8th grade. The purpose of middle school forensics is to build self-confidence and oral competency by developing and practicing fundamental public speaking skills.
To record a crime scene, forensic scientist can use photography, drawings, and videography. Photographs are an important record of the unaltered crime scene, Drawings or sketches provides valuable information when a photograph cannot accurately depict the scale of a room or the relationship of items to each
I think that the most interesting responsibility of a forensic scientist would be analyzing the data. I would always want to be the one to piece together a puzzle, and to solve a crime to figure out exactly what happened in a case. I think that it would be challenging, but it would also be interesting to join in on a case and examine and analyze the data to figure different things out.
Nearly anyone you ask would be familiar with the television show CSI. The crime lab is colorful and high-tech with all of the fun toys and machines that analysts use to test the ever abundant amount of forensic evidence from every crime scene. It makes for an exciting drama that you cannot help but get immersed in—it also gives us a false illusion, however, creating what has been dubbed as the “CSI effect” (Baskin, 2011). This effect describes the idea that crime shows such as CSI generate unreal expectations, making viewers believe that forensic evidence should be existent in all criminal trials, therefore affecting their overall perspective on a case (Baskin, 2011). But in reality, forensic labs are not that glamorous. In fact, the
Like you see in the Crime scene investigation shows like CSI and Bones, there are many things that go into investigating shows a lot of those things happen but it takes much longer than forty or sixty minutes to solve the crime. While crime scene investigating is very serious job, collecting evidence at crime scenes requires education and knowing of what you're doing, requires hard work, and it can be difficult to perform this job.
As lead forensic investigator for XYZ, Inc., my first task in planning to process the potential crime/incident scene at HCC Partners in Life, is how to collect computers involved in the incident scene methodically and thoroughly. First and foremost, I would attempt to ascertain the type of case I am investigating. In this instance, I know that there is a possible breach in the medical records system at HCC. I would need to talk to employees involved in the incident and ask questions. For instance, I would need to know if police (and hopefully not their Information Technology (IT) department) taken custody of any computers,
For this reason, it is imperative that the information gathered is reliable and accurate to ensure the evidence collected can be utilized by the digital forensic investigator for the current case (Ingalls & Rodriguez, 2011). Additionally, cyber incidents require digital forensic investigators to interview various individuals regarding the information needed for the case. According to the National Institute of Justice (2004), interviewing the system administrator, users, and employees of an organization regarding a cyber incident would provide investigators with valuable information; for example, user accounts, email accounts, network configuration, logs, and passwords. Furthermore, for digital forensic investigators to conduct an effective interview, they must have the proper tools and training to employ the interview process. For instance, formal procedures or instructions should be developed and implemented to ensure that the investigator follows a standard during all investigations. Additionally, training should be provided to ensure that digital forensic investigators comprehend by what means to prepare, conduct, and evaluate an interview. Furthermore, resources should be made available for digital forensic investigators to accomplish their tasks; for example, recording devices and references. Also, definitions should be provided to the digital forensic investigators for
Financial institutions, emergency response services and transportation facilities are just a few examples of the numerous organizations that use call center voice recording systems to monitor compliance and customer service delivery standards. Forensic investigators also rely on audio capturing equipment to successfully reconstruct crime scenes and monitor active incidents.
between a cut (an injury that is longer than deep) and a stab wound (an injury
Some of the responsibilities of a Crime Scene Investigator include but are not limited to: closing off and securing the crime scene, taking accurate measurements, sketching and taking pictures of the scene, documenting, packaging, and labeling the evidence before it is sent to the lab, writing a report over the evidence, procedures, and conclusions, testifing your findings in a courtroom, maintaining equipment, attending autopsies, briefings, and conferences. Crime scene Investigators will spend a vast majority of their time out in the field they deal with a wide variety of crimes some of which are the following: homicides, sexual assults, armed robberies, home invasions, and burglaries.Typically the office hours of a Crime Scene Investigator
If a murder, a homicide and or a suicide occur, the crime scene investigator(s) collects the clues and evidence that will be analyzed by the forensic scientist(s) which can lead them to their suspect(s). The purpose of a Crime Scene Investigation is to help victims find justice.
As the lead forensic investigator for XYZ, Inc. my goal is to prepare before the investigation starts, this involves knowing the nature of the assignment and activities, prepare the tools and personnel needed to properly investigate the incident. Additionally, understanding the skill-sets required to extract digital evidence will help build the appropriate team, assign roles to staff and supervisor, and ensure the forensic investigators have appropriate background to perform the extractions needed.
Today, more than ever, the quality of evidence in criminal cases is scrutinized because of contamination. Contamination is the introduction of something that physically corrupts a substance at a crime scene that was not previously there; it comes in many forms and most often times comes from the humans who investigate a crime scene. It is imperative that prevention of cross-contamination is implemented when gathering evidence. Several of the more sensitive forensic techniques such as trace analysis, bloodspatter interpretation, and DNA comparison are not being used to their fullest potential. Items of physical crime scene evidence are not always visible to the naked eye and may be easily overlooked so deliberate and methodical approach to collection and preservation of evidence is essential. Prosecutors have lost cases due to crime scene contamination; this could be prevented by simple and productive behaviors. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a leading case on physical evidence, stated:
item The forensic investigator should discover all the required files for forensic investigation. These files can be the server logs, server