Dissertation (project)

Still kind of a broad topic. I suppose one of the most fundamental questions is what is your experience like; or more, the direction you want to take the project? If you like coding and want a coding project, that's one answer. If you liike pontificating, that's another answer. On the other hand if you're really excited about social engineering, that's yet a third.

hi Dennis

thanx for the reply, iv had a good think about it, and to be honest im not all that good at coding, however i wouldnt mind having a go at it, its just writing a good program that concerns me.
have you got any suggestions about the sort of books, and ideas i could use.

thanks

Well, I really don't know yet what to advise. It appears you don't (or shouldn't) want a coding based project. What do you do well? What do you WANT to do well? Where do you want to make your mark?

BTY, being a yank, my knowledge of what would be involved in a first year dissertation is zero. Some guidance from folks in the UK would help here.

Hi Dennis

I think i would just like to write up a report, i thought i would write up a comparison of all data recovery tools, if possible can u advise me of some books that will advise me, or internet sites, which would give me a list of the tools, and how they work.
Then i will talk about the flaws with the tools, how they can be improved.
if you have any suggestions i would be very grateful

thanx

Do you think you can write a meaningful report based only on what others have written about a tool on the Internet? Would you not want access to the tools to perform a hands-on review?

yeh i would. i have already been searching the net for free software to download, which i can try. iv had a look at a few but havent downloaded any yet.

Alright, I'm biased, but I think this would be a fascinating and useful topic.

How will the standard processes and procedures that make up Computer Forensics and E-Discovery change with the advent of more options for Live and Remote Forensics?

You could interview different professionals and industry heavy weights, talk about the challenges and options, then put forth your prediction and reasoning.

Thoughts?

thats sounds like a interesting topic. i will do some reasearch regarding live and remote forensics. and get back to you. but i do like the idea. )

Saj23, I agree with fresponse_s about the topic idea. There are plenty of good discussions on the web and in reference material about the benefits/risks to live and remote forensics. I work in law enforcement and we tend to deal with what some may call "dead" forensics where a hard drive is brought to us and we conduct an exam. However, the need for us to accompany investigators during search warrants is growing with the fear of full disk encryption and the growing amount of information that can be found in RAM, and router logs. You can find plenty of information on the web or try references like "Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations" by Nelson, Phillips, Enfinger, and Steuart; or "Computer Evidence Collection and Preservation" by Christopher Brown. These books are rather basic and a little bit older but they do have some decent discussion of the benefits and risks of live forensics. Good luck.