ASTM Forensics Committee Develops Standard for Computer Forensics Degree Programs
I wanted to share this information to those reading this blog as I thought this is quite important.
Computer Forensics is still a rather new discipline in computer security and is a rapidly growing subject. The need to develop standards, frameworks, and curricula for degree programs based on actual needs of criminal investigation is underlined here.
ASTM International
Release date: September 25, 2009
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., September 25, 2009-While the use of digital evidence is fairly common in contemporary criminal investigation, there are still relatively few degree programs in computer forensics. A new standard developed by ASTM International Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences provides a road map for post-secondary institutions to develop degree programs in computer forensics.
The new standard, ASTM E2678, Guide for Education and Training in Computer Forensics, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E30.12 on Digital and Multimedia Evidence.
“ASTM E2678 attempts to improve and advance computer forensics through the development of model curricula consistent with other forensic science programs,” says Rhesa G. Gilliland, laboratory director, Digital Evidence Laboratory, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“Considering the amount of interest generated after the release of the National Academy of Sciences report, ‘Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,’ the development of standards in the relatively new forensic discipline of digital and multimedia evidence is extremely important,” says Gilliland, who is co-chair of E30.12.
Gilliland says that ASTM E2678 was based on a research report funded by the National Institute of Justice through a grant to the West Virginia University Forensic Science Initiative and submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Topics covered in the new standard include alternative paths by which students may arrive at and move through professional training; formal educational programs of increasing length from associate degrees through graduate work; a framework for academic certificate programs offered by educational institutions; and model criteria and implementation approaches for training and continuing education opportunities provided by professional organizations, vendors and academic institutions.
All interested parties, particularly individuals working in the digital and multimedia evidence examination field, are welcome to participate in the ongoing activities of E30.12. The subcommittee is working with the Scientific Working Groups on Digital Evidence and Imaging Technology to develop proposed new standards.
ASTM International standards can be purchased from Customer Service (phone: 610-832-9585; service@astm.org) or at www.astm.org. For technical information, contact Rhesa G. Gilliland, Drug Enforcement Administration, Lorton, Va. (phone: 703-495-6578; rhesa.g.gilliland@usdoj.gov). Committee E30 will meet Feb. 20-21, 2010, in conjunction with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Seattle, Wash.
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, please contact Timothy Brooke, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9729; tbrooke@astm.org).
Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions around the globe.
Links to related journals:
The International Journal of Forensic Computer Science: http://www.ijofcs.org/webjournal/index.php/ijofcs/index
Digital Investigation: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/702130/description#description
October 4th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Thanks for this article. I think this article can be use to point out how law-enforcement official were able to find baby YAIR ANTHONY CARRILLO. What they used to solve this case was video cameras; forensic computer in action! What a great story of success! I am happy the baby was recovered. There is no doubt that criminal investigations can be done without the use of forensics techniques, and a team of dedicated people. This recovery of baby Yair, really took my breath away for happiness!
October 4th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Right! A video camera in the Walmart parking lot had captured the license plate of a car seen following the mother and baby and police determined it was a rental car. There was a phone numer associated with the rental. Phone records and physical surveillance were used to find the kidnapper
October 10th, 2009 at 12:00 am
@Y ghannam My only fear though is that government is going to adopt different ways of really peering into our private lives. I’m not trying to blow smoke or cause a hysteria here but if there aren’t certain laws passed that bar the government from using the technology to essentially spy on people, we all could be victims of it.
October 11th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
To Seattle DUI Attorney:
Welcome and greetings from the Hardware city of New Britain, CT!
I think those digital tools have been there for long time, however, if criminals are using them to do horrible things , why are the ones on the side of the law not using them for good causes! If someone is going to be smart on the wrong side of the law no matter what, government has the responsibility to be prepared to deal with such threats even if they could invade our privacy..Anyway for me privacy has been lost after the advent of the internet and videos cameras..
Hmm, Sir, you sounds like one of those lawyers I would like to challenge one day in court, if I ever get there as a forensic scientist!
October 14th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Criminals seem more adept than ever nowadays so we should use every resource possible to prevent them committing further crimes, if we are to have minor intrusions of privacy on our parts in order to accomplish this then I ,for one, am all for it.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Guys here are another story where surveillance cameras and phone records were part of the evidence of this active case. I must warm all of you; the reading is a little disturbing. Here is the website : http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2009/10/14/news/doc4ad6898709a68906265234.txt
Yes, I am very proud of the New britain Police Department! They do such a great job!
Yeah, I agree with “Best man speeches”. Verr sad to give some of my freedom away for justice for other.
Yvette.