Setting up a forens...
 
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Setting up a forensic lab

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(@gemstones)
Active Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Hi all,

I am preparing a document on setting up a forensic lab from scratch for submission to government in my country for funding. I have been trying to decide whether to buy computer systems already built or build machines to serve as forensic machines.

Also if anyone can provide a checklist of the equipment, software and other tools I should include in my document to set up a medium substantial lab to handle both criminal and corporate forensic cases, including mobile equipment.

Thanks.


   
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(@kovar)
Prominent Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 805
 

Greetings,

You registered as being in NY, USA. You talk about setting up a lab in your country. Where are you?

-David


   
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(@Anonymous 6593)
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Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 1158
 

I have been trying to decide whether to buy computer systems already built or build machines to serve as forensic machines.

Also if anyone can provide a checklist of the equipment, software and other tools I should include in my document to set up a medium substantial lab to handle both criminal and corporate forensic cases, including mobile equipment.

Don't forget to plan for problems when one of these computers or other network equipment breaks down, who will help you (or the lab manager, if that is not going to be you)? The person/persons who built them (in which case you also need to plan to keep that particular competence in the team or nearby – which can be tricky over time), or do you call your support line for an equipment swap? Perhaps you have this kind of infrastructure in place already – if not, you need to think about handling this situation.

I clearly assume you have some notion of what your operational requirements are. For each piece of equipment you put on your list, you may want to add a column where you describe exactly under what cicumstances those requirements can't be fulfilled.


   
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(@gemstones)
Active Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Hi,

When I registered I was studying Forensic Computing in NY, however I was an International student and I am currently back in my home country having finished my degree.


   
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(@walkabout_fr)
Trusted Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 67
 

Well, I guess the question was "what is your home country ?" wink


   
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(@gemstones)
Active Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

I somehow do not think my location has much to do with equipment, software and tips necessary to setting up a forensic lab. I was hoping that I could come to this forum and get the advice of people already in the field in terms of what is needed to get a lab off the ground.

However seeing as how where I am is more important than the question I posed I will go elsewhere to find the information I require.


   
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jaclaz
(@jaclaz)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 5133
 

A slightly off-topic but maybe intriguing consideration, though I am afraid I won't get anymore an answer from you (gemstones).

What the heck did they teach you in NY? ?

I mean you studied computer forensics and don't have a list of the needed tools? 😯

I mean, as an example, you should know that you need a hardware write blocker, then someone here that has experience with different brands/models may give his impressions about speed, reliability or easyness of operation, or value per dollar, this would hopefully result in an unbiased comparison of some kind.

But if you don't know that you need that particular tool, I wonder how you will be able to use it? (and expecially use it properly - something that is a quite delicate topic, expecially when it comes to criminal cases)

jaclaz


   
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(@gemstones)
Active Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

jaclaz I do know what a write blocker is and how to use one. when i said checklist i was not meaning in terms of u need a write blocker and a computer and forensic software - i may be dumb but not that dumb.

i meant in terms of now setting up a lab from scratch with no other lab on the island and computer forensics now being seen as vital by government and private companies, what should i stock up on. i know your needs all depends on how much work you expect to be doing but without having that right now - i was asked to submit a document on setting up a medium size lab to begin with - should i get 2 forensic machines as oppose to 1, should i make accommodations for a mac or not. I am sure there are members who have set up a lab before and i just wanted to know what did they focus on and put more importance on and what items did they bring in at a later date as oppose to trying to stock a lab for every contingency which I know will not be feasible.

I thought this forum was welcoming to newly graduated forensic students but it seems those seasoned in the field feel the need to make fun of and pull down new persons.


   
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Jamie
(@jamie)
Moderator
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1288
 

gemstones,

I find your question fair, but can you think of any reasons why those you're asking for help might be interested in the country in question?

Jamie


   
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(@ulysius)
New Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 2
 

The reason people are asking about where you are going to set up this lab is because the laws of the land have a bearing what you need to focus on. What you need to be aware of is that you are talking to experienced investigators. When someone avoids a question it gets their instincts aroused.

So you are on an island and given that it is not like you have a technology store around the corner so you need to be as self contained as possible. I believe you should by your main forensic machine already made up. You will need more than one machine. Besides you main forensic machine you will need at least one office machine or more. No single forensic software package works well in every case. I believe you will need both Encase and FTK and be familiar with both. Concentrate on storage. I would suggest a number of moderate sized SATA drives 250 to 750 GB in size. a reference library would be of great aid.
Hope this is some of what you were asking for??


   
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