A Review of Forensic Computer Science

Mar 20, 2002

Abstract

This was a review to identify the various work programs using forensic computer science and related tasks being supported by the MITRE Corporation, examine the minimum standards for such work, and identify areas for future research and development. Defining minimum standards was complicated as a result of different agencies having different requirements both in investigative purview and legal sufficiency. It was still important to identify the most common tasks, what tools or techniques were utilized, and attempt to determine the best practices for such analysis. Additionally, it was important to identify areas where there were inadequate guidelines, standards or tools, so that future research efforts can work towards their development. For the purposes of this project, forensic computer science examinations were divided into three categories: media analysis; code analysis; and network traffic analysis. Many other types of analysis could be identified, however many of the other types could be considered combinations of these three primary types.

The result of the investigation resulted in the identification of minimum standards for conducting each type of analysis, as well as identifying shortfalls in tools and procedures for conducting such analysis. Additionally, a substantial collection of reference material including information on file types, some basic analysis checklists for conducting media analysis, and a listing/inventory of tools used for forensic analysis was compiled.