Digital Forensic Laboratory - Assignment Example

In this regard, most laboratories without a digital forensic unit are either becoming obsolete or creating space and remodeling existing spaces to create the digital unit. Digital forensics can be defined as the forensic investigation of electronic devices capable of storing data or information in one form or another. The core purpose of performing digital forensic is to extract the digital data from the said devices so as to aid in the investigation and prosecution of a committed crime (Press, 2012).

In addition, the collected evidence is also admissible in a court of law. This article will highlight the architectural and engineering design requirements for digital forensic laboratories. In addition to that, it will also explore the history of forensic investigation, and what are the essentials in coming up with a basic reliable site. Laboratory budget In planning a budget for a digital forensic lab the first most crucial part to be considered should be training. The staffs who will be involved in the actual forensic duties need to be adequately familiar with their work and tools of trade (Vacca, 2010).

In addition to that, the procedures involved need to be fully understood is shoddy work is to be avoided. In addition to training costs, digital forensics bases its accuracy on advanced equipments that are properly installed and maintained. Considering the fact that technology changes fast it is essential to consider the best, and affordable means of acquiring the equipments especially computers. For operational costs and lab maintenance expenses, it is best to break down the costs down to daily, quarterly, and annual expenses so as to project finance uses, and properly set the budget (Jones et al, 2011).

Laboratory expenses include the following: Hardware, these are computers microscopes and all other relevant, and essential equipment required for a successful investigation. Specialized software for an in depth analyses of crime data, facility space and the trained personnel who will e operating the equipment’s, and laboratory investigations (Jones et al, 2011). Safety measures and recommendations Based on the sort of sensitivity the data requires safety measures have to be put in place to ensure the integrity and reliability of the evidence that shall be extracted thereafter.

In addition, the involvement of high level electrical equipment also means that hazardous situations may arise due to machine-human interaction (Bill. Nelson, 2010). Digital forensic investigation and safety measures requirements can be briefly summarized as follows: Information and data collection: This involves the acquisition, identification, labeling and recording of evidence on site. Data retrieved from all possible sources need be carefully handled and isolated in order to preserve its integrity, and avoid contamination.

Examination of data: his involves the use of various methods such as automated examination to evaluate and extract relevant and valid information from collected evidence. Caution has to be exercised so as not to add or miss relevant and useful facts. Data analysis entails the use of legal techniques to derive useful facts that can be presented as evidence against a given individual or party. Finally, reporting the analyzed information in a presentable and simple format. Usually this involves the description of the entire process, tools that were used, and reasons why a particular criteria was used in achieving the results.

Furthermore, it is at this stage that recommendations are also given besides the final conclusion. This is normally done so as to improve future investigations (Vacca, 2010).