Digital Forensics

This course introduces the basic concepts and technologies of digital forensics. Students will learn the fundamental techniques and tools utilized for collecting, processing, and preserving digital evidence on computers, mobile devices, networks, and cloud computing environments. Students will also engage in oral and written communication to report digital forensic findings and prepare court presentation materials.

At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Recognize the duties of a digital forensic investigator and the requirements of a lab environment.
2. Utilize data collection tools and methods necessary for recovering and identifying different digital forensic artifacts left by attacks.
3. Utilize appropriate methods to preserve the integrity of digital evidence and acquire a forensically sound image.
4. Analyze different types of digital evidence to extract the related information important to a case under investigation.
5. Prepare evidence, findings and results of analysis in a digital forensic report.

Course Projects

Digital Forensics Laboratory Plan (3-Year Plan)

This project involved developing a three-year plan for establishing and operating a digital forensics laboratory for a mid-sized police department. I designed the plan around the practical requirements of a professional forensic environment, including laboratory layout, evidence storage, forensic equipment and software, accreditation, maintenance, and staffing.

Summary:

This document outlines the comprehensive 3-year digital forensics laboratory plan for a mid-sized police department. 
The lab is designed exclusively for computer and digital forensics operations. The plan provides a structured approach to physical layout, equipment inventory, accreditation preparation and steps, maintenance procedures, and staffing requirements.

1. Physical Lab Layout

The digital forensics laboratory will consist of secure, access-restricted zones to ensure proper handling, storage,and analysis of digital evidence. 

The layout includes:
• Evidence Storage Room: Secure, temperature-controlled area with individual evidence lockers and surveillance.
• Two Analysis Workstations: Equipped with high-performance forensic computers, dual monitors, and write-blocking devices.
• Imaging & Acquisition Area: Dedicated space for forensic imaging with appropriate hardware and documentation stations.
• Lab Manager Office: Contains case management tools, administrative systems, and secure document storage.
• Security Elements: Badge/PIN dual access control, and restricted access points.

2. Equipment Inventory

Hardware:
Forensic workstations (2), dual 27-inch monitors, UPS backup units.
Tableau and WiebeTech forensic write-blockers.
Faraday boxes/bags, mobile device extraction tools (Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensics).
RAID storage systems, PowerEdge R660 servers, cable kits, anti-static lab equipment, tool cabinets. Unitrends 9016S 16TB Backup Storage Appliance.
NAS systems for secure storage and evidence backups.
Computer Chairs (29)

RFID Badge readers

APC SMT750RM2UC UPS, APC BE650G1 Desktop UPS

PC Power Cables

20 IDE Cables, 20 SATA Cables

Juniper Switch EX2300

Software:
• EnCase Forensic, FTK, X-Ways Forensics, Autopsy Suites.
• Cellebrite UFED, Oxygen Forensics, Magnet AXIOM Mobile.
• Wireshark, Kali Linux, Ghidra, and volatility tools.
• VMware Workstation, malware sandbox environment, evidence management software.

3. Accreditation Plan (ISO/IEC 17025)

The lab will follow a structured 3‑year path toward accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 standards:

Year 1:
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for acquisition, analysis, reporting, and chain‑of‑custody.
• Establish a Quality Management System (QMS) and perform internal audits.
• Begin certification training for staff (CFCE, CCE, CHFI, GCIH optional).

Year 2:
• Implement accreditation-focused training and documentation.
• Formalize equipment calibration, evidence handling, and peer review processes.
• Conduct external proficiency testing.

Year 3:
• Submit accreditation application to ANAB.
• Complete pre‑assessments, address findings, and complete final evaluation.

4. Lab Maintenance Plan

To maintain operational readiness and accreditation compliance, the following schedule will be used:

Daily Maintenance:
• Validate write‑blockers and forensic tools.
• Perform workstation performance checks.
• Conduct evidence intake reviews and maintain cleanliness.

Weekly Maintenance:
• Back up all case files to secure NAS.
• Review chain‑of‑custody logs.
• Reset malware sandbox environments.

Monthly Maintenance:
• Hardware diagnostics, software integrity checks.
• Update QMS documentation and inspect CCTV systems.

Annual Maintenance:
• Renewal of licenses and certifications.
• Complete forensic proficiency testing.
• Full inspection and audit of evidence storage.

5. Staffing and Job Descriptions

Two primary roles will be required for the initial launch of the lab:

Lab Manager:
Responsibilities:

Direct and manage the day-to-day operations of the digital forensics lab, including workflow, resource allocation, and project prioritization.

Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data collection, preservation, and analysis that meet legal and forensic standards.

Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all forensic hardware and software, ensuring the lab is equipped with the latest tools and technologies.

Qualifications:
Certified Forensic Examiner (CFE), EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), or similar.

Relativity Certified Administrator (RCA) or other relevant eDiscovery software certifications.

GIAC certifications (e.g., GCFA, GCFE) are a significant plus.

Digital Forensic Technician:
Responsibilities:
Conduct forensic imaging and data acquisition.
Maintain and inventory equipment.
Assist analysts with mobile and computer extractions.

Apply knowledge to the enforcement of Title 18, Title 31, and other applicable statutes of the Federal Criminal Code, and the seizure and forfeiture of illegally derived property

Conduct research and analysis using open source information, national and international databases, and corporate record filings to match investigative findings and summarize data into a finished professional product

Qualifications:
Associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
Experience with forensic tools and operating systems.
Knowledge of chain‑of‑custody and evidence handling procedures.

4+ years cyber fraud investigations related experience

1+ years of experience supporting law enforcement with cryptocurrency investigations

6+ months experience with blockchain intelligence tools (Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic)

 

Optional Year 3 Expansion:
• Additional examiner specializing in mobile, network, or malware forensics as case volume increases.

 

Conclusion: This lab plan establishes a structured and sustainable framework for a fully operational digital forensics laboratory. Through proper planning, accreditation preparation, maintenance scheduling, and staffing, the lab will support reliable and defensible digital investigations for years to come.