How to Set Up a Secure Digital Forensics Lab

Owing to the incessant rise of cybersecurity threats and attacks, having an effective and secure forensics laboratory is essential. There are several processes and techniques required to set up a secured forensics lab. You need to know the hardware and software tools to include in your forensics lab since no one forensics tools can do everything you want.

Moreover, the growing maturity of the science of digital forensics examiners has increased the demand for the certification and accreditation of both digital forensic examiners and forensics laboratories. It is important to note that certification and accreditation are not one and the same thing. The forensics examiner undergoes a certification program or course, while accreditation applies to the forensics lab.

With the constant debates in the United States about whether digital forensics examiners should hold a private investigator’s certificate or not, now is the best time to get certified. EC-Council offers an authentic computer hacking forensics investigator (CHFI) certification program.

What Is a Digital Forensics Lab?

A digital forensics lab, or otherwise computer forensics lab, refers to a designated location or facility where digital forensics investigations are conducted. In a computer forensics lab (CFL), the certified forensics examiner inspects intrusions, media, audio, intrusions, and any type of cybercrime evidence obtained from the crime scene.

Quality should be the foremost priority of a forensics lab and it is realized through strict observance of recognized quality standards as part of the general quality assurance procedures.  To ensure adherence to these standards, accreditation of the digital lab must be ensured.

Likewise, a sound forensics laboratory must be secured against environmental and external threats, including flood, fire hazards, and so on, through backup systems and on-site protected evidence storage meant solely for storing the evidence. The efficiency of the computer forensics examiner is determined by the way the forensics laboratory is configured.

What are the Minimum Requirements for a Computer Investigation and Forensics Lab?

The continually shifting pattern in both organized and conventional crimes, as well as all manner of trafficking, has resulted in amplified attention on the part of the international community and governmental organizations in launching or reinforcing superior forensics labs at the national and corporate levels.

The type of forensics investigation you intend to conduct and other specialized needs such as biological science/DNA, toxicology, trace evidence, firearms analysis, will determine the type of forensics equipment and tools you’ll employ. Flexibility is also a minimum requirement in driving the design and configurations of forensics laboratories.

Crime labs must be set up with the utmost flexibility to reinforce adaptability and modify or risk obsolescence in a few years. Quality forensics laboratory can be demanding in terms of cost, and the structures where these services are offered have the tendency to be costly. Therefore, cutting back on costs that would threaten the lab’s testing quality is not an option.  In addition, the CHFI should be able to choose whether the project is driven mainly by budgets or needs. Decide whether the needs of the lab will be controlled by budget, or is the budget preset and the laboratory economically limited to a specific amount at the outset?

To learn more about the requirements for computer forensics lab and investigations, sign up for our bespoke CHFI program.

What Is Needed in a Forensic Lab?

As obtainable with other fields of investigation, anti-forensics tools and facilities are needed to provide additional security. Since forensics lab plays a significant role in our justice system and key research endeavors, the equipment included in the lab is critical.

The most common instruments in forensics labs are microscopes, spectrometers, chromatographs, and fume hoods. Moreover, several standards are significant when setting up a sound digital forensics laboratory, such as Risk management (ISO 31000), Environmental management systems (ISO 14000), Information security management (ISO 27000), Occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18000), and so on.

Furthermore, higher levels of containment and ultra-clean rooms are typically required for most analytical procedures. Similarly, increased performance standards are needed for temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and vibration controls to produce a setting fit for forensics investigation.

What Qualities do You Need to be a Forensic Scientist?

The objective of a digital forensics lab is to offer professional knowledge regarding the instruments used for forensics operations. Some of the major qualities of a certified forensics examiner include:

◉ Deft technical competence

◉ Logical and independent thinking

◉ Concentration and patience

◉ Exceptional written and oral communication abilities

◉ Thorough attention to detail

◉ Sensitivity and objectivity when handling confidential information

◉ Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

◉ Knowledge about mobile device forensics, email crimes, cloud forensics, and operating system forensics.

What is CHFI Certification and why is it important?

Computer forensics is a niche part of cybersecurity. A Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) certification opens doors for an expert in the field of computer forensics. The Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator certification provided by EC-Council validates that you possess the required skills and knowledge for identifying hacking attacks, conducting analysis that enables you to mitigate impending attacks, and to properly retrieve needed evidence to support or refute a piece of criminal evidence at the court of law.

It takes a highly qualified individual, such as the certified forensics examiner or certified computer examiner, to conduct this type of investigation. To earn the official CHFI credentials, it is compulsory that you take the required ECC examination. Also, to maintain the high integrity of the exam, cut scores are set on a “per exam form” basis.

Source: eccouncil.org