Now I don’t normally blog about what events the BCS (British computer society) is holding as everybody else who probably already wants to attend BCS Events has probably already set themselves on the mailing list, but as this event looks quite interesting and  Non BCS members are welcome to attend, I thought I might as well blog about it!

Friday 28th July, 18:30.  (Buffet and refreshments from 18:00)

Principles of Digital Forensics as applied to Law Enforcement

Ian Kennedy BEng(Hons) CEng MBCS CITP PGCE

Forensic Computer Analyst

Computer Crime Unit

Kent Police

Lecture Theatre,

Kent Police College,

Coverdale Avenue,

Maidstone,

Kent

ME15 9DW

A presentation covering the principles of digital forensics as applied to law enforcement in the UK.

Digital forensics is a newly emerged and developing field which can be described as the preservation, acquisition, analysis and documentation of digital evidence resulting from an incident. It is, in effect, the digital version of an autopsy.

Unlike the traditional form, digital evidence is extremely fragile and is even more difficult to form into a coherent argument suitable for a court of law. Much of the work is based on reversed engineered technology that aims to understand the behaviour of undocumented files and technology in use today.

In a criminal investigation a forensic examination requires skills that go beyond that of a conventional data recovery process. The success of such an examination from a prosecution point of view depend not only on the ability to uncover evidence of the act (the ‘actus reus’) but also on the ability to prove the ‘mens rae’ or intent of the suspected offender. Further to this there is a strict legal process in place for the collection, handling, analysis and presentation of the evidence that must be followed.

A forensic examination of a computer can be very revealing process that yields the behaviour and habits of an individual. Internet browsing habits, organisation of files on their disk, email conversations, letters, diary entries, chat logs, holiday photos, home videos and financial files all add up to make a “psychological profile” of the computer user.

The presentation will cover the following topics:

• Background to digital forensics
• Guiding principles and their application
• Tools of the trade
• Finding the evidence – Actus Reus
• Finding proof of intent – Mens Rae
• Live demonstration
• Questions

It is necessary to register for this event.  Please email us at kentbcs@btopenworld.com before 21st July, giving your name and organisation.

Via: BCS Kent Branch