Computer

Forensics Lab
Requirements
Hiranya Prasad Bastakoti
 • Physical Facility Requirements
• Environment Controls
• Hardware Equipment
• Furniture and Consumable Materials
• Evidence Container
• Forensic Workstation
• Forensic Software
Contents • Validation and Verification of Forensics Hardware and Software
• Secrecy Requirement
• Lab Data Backup
• Training Requirements
• Policies and Procedures
• Documentation
• Lab Accreditation
 • The rise in cybercrime has led to an increased need for computer
forensics labs, both in law enforcement and private corporations.
• Digital forensic investigations are categorized into public and
private sectors, with private corporations establishing their own
labs to expedite investigations and reduce costs.
• Private corporations, like banks and tech companies, often have
more flexibility in procuring the latest forensic software and
hardware compared to police labs.
• In-house digital forensics analysts work closely with law
enforcement agencies to investigate and resolve cases related to
Overview their businesses.
• Establishing an in-house digital forensics lab is costly, with even
the smallest labs having an annual expenditure of at least
$150,000.
• Many small and medium-sized companies outsource their digital
forensics work to accredited third-party labs to save costs.
• Accreditation ensures that digital forensics labs meet established
standards, using reliable methods, tools, and trained personnel
to perform investigations.
Physical Facility Requirements
• Single Entrance: The lab should have only one
entrance door.
• No Windows: Ideally, the lab should have no windows
to enhance security.
• Soundproofing: The lab must be soundproof to
prevent eavesdropping, using soundproof materials on
walls and ceilings, and carpeting the floor.
• Access Control: An alarm system and biometric access
control should be installed at the entrance. The
biometric system must log all entries for long-term
auditing.
• Surveillance: Install surveillance cameras covering the
entire lab, especially the entrance and evidence
storage room.
• The video recording equipment should be secured in
the evidence storage room.
• Fire Suppression: The lab must be equipped with fire
suppression systems.
Floor Plan

Floor plan for large digital

forensic lab:

license server and

internal lab network
equipment in addition to
Internet networking
devices (router, firewall,
and IDS) can be placed in
the Internet/intranet
room
Small digital forensics lab
suitable for home or small
companies
 Environmental Control

• To protect forensic equipment and seized digital devices, strict

environmental controls are essential:
• Air Cooling System: Install an air cooling system to manage
heat from workstations, especially during extended forensic
tasks like password cracking.
• Organization and Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and well-
organized lab with a healthy climate, including optimal
temperature, low humidity, and clean air.
• Adequate Lighting: Ensure good lighting throughout the lab
and in each individual forensic workstation room.
• Power Management: Use power organizers to prevent sudden
power drops and equip the lab with UPS units for workstations,
storage servers, and surveillance cameras.
 • Licensing Server: Required by some digital forensics suites.
• Storage Server: Configured for standard removable hard drives to store digital
evidence images and processed data; must remain disconnected from the Internet.
• Forensic Workstation(s): Specialized workstations for forensic analysis.
• Portable Forensic Laptop: Used outside the lab for evidence capture and preliminary
analysis.
• Dedicated Computer(s): For Internet/intranet access.
• Administrative Computer: For log management and administrative tasks.
Hardware • Hardware Write Blocker: Prevents modifications to evidence drives during
acquisition.
Equipment • Portable CD/DVD Drive: For reading optical media.
• USB Reader: For reading USB storage devices.
• HDD and SSD Enclosure: With USB 3.0 interface for connecting drives.
• SD Card Reader: For reading SD cards.
• External Hard Drives and USB Thumbs: Various sizes, including USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.
• Tape Drives: For long-term data archiving.
• Data Cables and Connectors: Includes Ethernet, RJ-45, BNC, modular adapters,
ribbon cables, and various other types.
Office Electrical Equipments Networking Devices:
• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS): For • Router and Switch: To connect forensic
each workstation, server, and networking workstations with the storage server.
device. • Internet Network: Separate from the lab's
• Projection Device: For presentations in internal network with a firewall, switch,
the conference room. and router (can be combined in one
• Printer device).
• Scanner • Networking Cables: For connectivity.
• Photocopier
• Paper Shredder • The lab should have an isolated network
connecting forensic workstations to the
• Digital Cameras and Video Cameras: With storage server, located in the evidence
accessories. room, with no Internet access.
• Telephone: Preferably wireless. • An Internet connection should be available
on a separate line for research and
• Wi-Fi Access Point collaboration needs.
• Headset
• Symmetrical Power Supply
Furniture and Consumable Materials

• Forensic examiners spend long hours at their

workstations analyzing digital evidence, so comfort
is essential for maintaining productivity.
• Provide ergonomic chairs that are adjustable to
meet individual needs.
• Additionally, use high-quality computer screens, as
they are crucial for extended use.
• Position monitors about 20 inches from the
examiner's eyes, with the top of the screen at or
below eye level to help prevent neck and head pain,
fatigue, and eye strain.
 Paper, pens, and pencils

Staples and staplers (including electric)

Toner cartridges

Labels and envelopes

Envelope sealer

Consumable Items Folders, sheet protectors, suspension files, and binders

Clipboards, markers, and highlighters

Punches

Plastic static bags

Non-electronic whiteboards, notice boards, and accessories

Packaging materials
 Evidence Container
• Storage media containing original digital evidence (e.g.,
HDDs, SSDs, flash drives, SD cards, smartphones, tablets,
CDs/DVDs) must be kept in a secure, locked room with a
safe, closed cabinet.
• These cabinets should be fire- and flood-resistant, and able
to withstand structural damage from events like
earthquakes.
• Additionally, the cabinets should protect against
electromagnetic interference to prevent damage to the
equipment.
• The evidence room must be secured from unauthorized
access using automated security measures, such as digital
locks and keycard access.
• A logbook should be maintained in the room, with each
visitor signing in to record the purpose of their visit, along
with the date and time, to ensure the chain of custody for
the evidence is preserved.
 • Forensic workstations should run the
latest 64-bit version of Windows OS.
• The following Windows 10 editions are
recommended for their support of high-
end hardware and intensive tasks:
Forensic • Pro for Workstations: Highly
Workstation recommended.
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• These editions support up to 6 TB of RAM
and four processors, but they are less
expensive than Windows Server editions,
which support more RAM.
 Recommended Hardware Specifications:
• RAM Memory: At least 24 GB DDR4. More is preferable.
• CPU: At least two physical CPUs, such as Intel i9 8th-generation with 10 cores and 20 threads.
• Motherboard: Must support the required number of processors, RAM, and a video controller card.
• Hard Drives: Combination of SSD and HDD—at least 512 GB SSD and 4 TB HDD.
• Video Controller: Nvidia Geforce, latest version with at least 8 GB of GDDR5X memory.
• Optical Drives: Triple burner (Blu-ray, DVD, CD).
• External Hard Drive Enclosure: USB 3.0 interface.
• Write Protection: Can be standalone or integrated. Must support data acquisition from SATA, SAS, IDE, USB,
FireWire, and PCIe devices. Notable options include UltraBlock and Tableau Forensic Universal Bridge.
• Cooling System: Advanced cooling with a liquid CPU cooling system and at least dual fans.
• Monitor: LCD panel with full HD resolution, at least 22 inches.
• Ports: USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, microphone and headphone jack, integrated LAN controller.
• A portable forensic laptop is also essential for acquiring and analyzing data outside the lab. Consider
purchasing from vendors specializing in forensic solutions.
Commercial Ready-Made Digital Forensic Workstations:

Tri-Tech Forensics: Offers powerful workstations Digital Intelligence: Digital Intelligence Store
and digital forensic laptops starting at $5,800 and
$2,300, respectively. Tri-Tech Forensics
Forensic Software
• Designed for investigating digital devices (computers, smartphones, tablets).
• Retrieves, inspects, and analyzes data for evidence collection.
• Finds hidden information, extracts data, maintains data integrity, decrypts files, and
examines details.
• Essential for preserving evidence integrity for legal admissibility.
• Supports law enforcement, incident response, cybersecurity, and preventive
maintenance.
• The choice of forensic software for lab will depend on your specific needs, including the
operating systems (Windows, Linux, or Mac) and file systems you plan to examine.
 Commercial Forensic Tools
• Commercial forensic software can be expensive, so it's wise to research thoroughly
before making a purchase.
• Consult with other forensic examiners and try out trial versions when possible.
Popular commercial forensic suites:
• EnCase: www.guidancesoftware.com
• EnCase is a leading digital forensics tool known for its comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and
reporting capabilities.
• Awarded SC Magazine’s “Best Computer Forensic Solution” for ten consecutive years, it has been
essential in recovering and analyzing evidence from hard drives and mobile phones since 1998.
• Belkasoft Evidence Center: https://belkasoft.com
• FTK: https://accessdata.com/products-services/forensictoolkit-ftk
• X-Ways Forensics: www.x-ways.net/forensics
FTK Imager
• FTK Imager is a free tool that maintains the integrity of digital evidence by analyzing drive
images without altering them.
• It supports all operating systems, recovers deleted files, parses XFS files, and generates
file hashes for data integrity checks.
X-Ways Forensics
• X-Ways Forensics offers a fast and resource-efficient environment for digital forensic
investigations.
• Built on the WinHex hex and disk editor, it includes features for disk and data capture,
cloning, and imaging, providing a comprehensive forensic solution.
 The Sleuth Kit: https://www.sleuthkit.org
• A suite of command-line tools for investigating digital evidence,
supporting both Linux and Windows.
Autopsy: https://www.sleuthkit.org/autopsy
• A graphical interface for The Sleuth Kit and other digital forensic
Free and tools, providing features for analyzing computer and phone data.
dd for Windows: http://www.chrysocome.net/dd
Open Source • A forensic imaging tool for creating disk images on Windows systems
while maintaining the integrity of the original data.
Forensic Magnet RAM Capture: https://www.magnetforensics.com/free-tool-
magnet-ram-capture
Tools • A tool for capturing volatile RAM memory, useful for live memory
analysis.
Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer: https://belkasoft.com/ramcapturer
• A tool designed for capturing and analyzing live RAM memory.
 Volatility: https://www.volatilityfoundation.org
• An open-source framework for analyzing RAM images to extract valuable
data.
Memoryze: https://www.fireeye.com/services/freeware/memoryze.html
• A tool for capturing and analyzing memory images, including the
Windows Paging file.
Mandiant Redline:
https://www.fireeye.com/services/freeware/redline.html
• A live memory analysis tool that includes features from Memorize for
Contd.. comprehensive analysis.
Bulk Extractor:
http://downloads.digitalcorpora.org/downloads/bulk_extractor
• Scans hard drive images to extract useful data like e-mail addresses,
credit card numbers, and URLs.
Encrypted Disk Detector: https://www.magnetforensics.com/free-tool-
encrypted-disk-detector
• A tool for detecting encrypted volumes on a computer system during
incident response.
 Linux Distributions for Digital Forensics
CAINE: www.caine-live.net
• A Linux distribution focused on digital forensics with a comprehensive set of tools.
DEFT: www.deftlinux.net
• A distribution designed for forensic and investigative tasks, providing a wide array of forensic tools.
Helix3 Free Version: https://e-fenseinc.sharefile.com/d/sda4309a624d48b88
• A free version of Helix3, offering a suite of tools for digital investigations.
SANS Investigative Forensics Toolkit (SIFT): http://digitalforensics.sans.org/community/downloads
• A VMware appliance providing a wide range of forensic tools for digital investigations.
Santoku Linux for Mobile Forensics: https://santoku-linux.com
• A Linux distribution tailored for mobile device forensics with numerous specialized tools.
Kali Linux Forensics Mode: www.kali.org/downloads
• A version of Kali Linux focused on forensic investigations, featuring a suite of forensic tools.
Virtualization Technology
• Virtualization technology allows examiners to run multiple operating systems on a
single workstation, which is useful for malware analysis and testing forensic tools
without risking the main system.
• Virtual machines operate in an isolated sandbox environment, separate from the
host operating system.
• Popular virtual machine options include VirtualBox and VMware Workstation
Player.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is crucial for organizing the
reception, tracking, handling, and return of evidence in a digital forensic lab.
• Open-source content management systems such as Drupal and Moodle can
effectively manage these tasks
Others software
For a comprehensive digital forensic analysis, additional software is required:

Digital file metadata viewers

MS Office suite or the free alternative OpenOffice

Compressed file extractors (ZIP, RAR)

Data recovery tools

Antivirus software for Internet/intranet PCs

Various operating systems, including legacy ones like Windows

File type viewers and different programming languages

 • In a digital forensic laboratory, it is essential to determine the suitability of new
techniques, methods, or tools before incorporating them into the investigation process.
• Forensic hardware and software are considered valid for use in official trials if they have
been previously utilized by reputable entities such as scientific laboratories, law
enforcement agencies, or educational institutions.
• These established bodies provide a benchmark for the reliability and effectiveness of
Validation and the tools used.
Verification of • However, if a tool or methodology is new or has not been approved by these reputable
organizations, the lab must undertake a thorough validation process.
Forensics • This involves testing the tool, verifying its results, and documenting the findings before
it can be used in evidence analysis.
Hardware and • Each laboratory should have its own specific procedures for conducting internal
Software validation and verification of new tools and methodologies, including those developed
in-house.
• For smaller laboratories, it is often more practical to use tools that have already been
validated by external organizations. This approach can reduce the complexity and
workload associated with validating new tools internally.
• To ensure the reliability of forensic tools, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) has established the Computer Forensic Tool Testing (CFTT) project.
• This project aims to develop a standardized methodology for testing forensic software
tools, which assists examiners in selecting the most effective tools for their
investigations. By referring to the testing reports published by NIST, forensic
professionals can better understand the capabilities and performance of various tools.
 Lab Manager
• The digital forensic lab requires a manager, also known as the technical supervisor, to ensure efficient
operations and adherence to quality standards.
The primary responsibilities of the lab manager include:
• Designing and recommending procedures for managing cases effectively within the lab.
• Providing assistance and oversight on the most challenging forensic analysis cases handled by the lab.
• Ensuring that all staff receive training that aligns with established quality standards.
• Conducting annual performance reviews for lab personnel to assess and enhance their effectiveness.
• Supporting the professional growth and technical development of junior forensic staff.
• Upholding and enforcing ethical standards among lab staff to maintain the integrity of the forensic
process.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring lab policies and procedures to ensure smooth operation
and compliance.
 Contd.
• Overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the lab facility to ensure a safe and functional working
environment.
• Reviewing and supervising court testimony to ensure it is accurate and properly presented.
• Regularly inspecting lab software and hardware to ensure all equipment is functioning correctly.
• Managing the acquisition of consumable materials required for lab operations.
• Approving validation studies of forensic tools (both hardware and software) and authorizing their use
in the lab.
• Researching new methodologies and recommending new software and hardware tools to enhance lab
capabilities.
• Supervising or managing the handling and disposition of sensitive materials to ensure proper
management and security.
• Planning for future expansion and improvements in lab capabilities.
• Representing the lab in interactions with clients and at professional events such as conferences and
seminars.
 Secrecy Requirement
• Maintaining the confidentiality of individuals working in the digital forensic lab is
crucial.
• The forensic team's role is to uncover the identities behind criminal activities, which
can involve dangerous individuals or groups such as terrorist organizations or
criminal syndicates.
• These groups may attempt to interfere with or obstruct investigations to protect
their operations.
• Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the identities of forensic personnel are kept
confidential to safeguard their safety and the integrity of the investigative process.
• This secrecy helps prevent any attempts to compromise the investigation or retaliate
against those involved.
Lab Data Backup
• Data backup in a digital forensics lab is critical to safeguarding sensitive information against data loss,
system failures, virus attacks, or natural disasters.
• Given the importance of the data, it's essential to follow best practices for backup:
• Multiple Copies: Maintain at least three copies of your data:
• One primary copy on-site in the lab.
• One backup offsite in a secure location.
• One backup in a safe and protected environment within the lab.
• Security: All backups should be encrypted and protected with strong passwords to prevent
unauthorized access.
• Scope of Backup: Ensure that backups include all critical data, such as forensic workstation files, case
data, and information stored on the main storage servers.
Windows Backup Options:
• Backup and Restore (Windows 7): Accessible via Control Panel, this feature allows you to
back up your Windows drive to an external storage device.
• File History (Windows 8 and 10): Automatically backs up user files (e.g., desktop,
documents) to an external drive or network location. You can configure it to back up additional
folders or drives.
• Third-Party Backup Solutions:
• Comodo Backup: A user-friendly tool that offers a variety of backup options, including local
drives, optical media, network folders, and FTP servers. It supports encryption and easy
recovery.
www.comodo.com/home/backup-onlinestorage/comodo-backup.php
• Cobian Backup: Allows for scheduled backups to local or network drives and supports FTP
backup. It works silently in the background, ensuring regular backups without disrupting ongoing
work.
• www.cobiansoft.com/cobianbackup.htm
• RAID Server Backup: For labs using high-end RAID servers for data storage, it's advisable to
use specialized backup software that can handle the complexity and ensure reliable data
restoration when needed.
• Regularly test your backup systems to verify that data can be successfully restored.
• This ensures that in the event of a disaster, your lab can quickly recover critical information and
continue operations without significant disruption.
 • Lab staff must receive proper training to perform their duties
effectively.
• The essential training requirements include:
• Computer Hardware: Understanding the components and
functions of computer hardware.
• Networking Basics: Knowledge of networking principles and
protocols.
• General Computer Forensic Knowledge: Familiarity with the
Training fundamentals of digital forensics (this book serves as a good
starting point).
Requirement • Forensic Software Specific Training: Proficiency in tools like FTK
and EnCase.
s • Legal Training: Awareness of digital crime laws across different
countries, search warrant procedures, courtroom testimony, and
determining jurisdiction in forensic cases.
• Digital forensics is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning,
research, and active engagement with the forensic community.
Professionals must stay updated on the latest technologies and best
practices.
 • Lab policies and procedures establish the internal rules that must be followed by
lab personnel during their work.
• These guidelines ensure that all tasks are carried out securely, consistently, and
according to standards.
Key areas typically covered include:
• Lab physical security policy, which includes protocols for securing access to the
lab area.

Lab Policies • Access to restricted areas, specifying who is authorized to enter the evidence
storage room.
and • Handling digital evidence, such as using a write blocker when acquiring data
from a suspect's hard drive.
Procedures • Evidence seizure at response scenes, including protocols for securing and
documenting evidence collected from the field.
• Evidence analysis, detailing steps and tools for analyzing each piece of evidence
systematically.
• Evidence chain of custody, requiring documentation for tracking who has
accessed digital evidence, including when and why.
• Evidence disposition, which outlines secure methods for disposing of sensitive
materials, such as shredding paper files and physically destroying hard drives.
Digital forensic report writing, setting standards for structuring reports that detail case
analysis results.
Expert testimony evaluation, offering guidelines for assessing the credibility and
reliability of expert witness testimony.
Backup policy, which includes procedures for regular data backup to protect against
data loss.
Training policies, establishing requirements for ongoing staff training to maintain and
update their skills.
Quality standards, setting benchmarks for ensuring high-quality work and adherence to
procedures.
The lab also uses specific preprinted forms for various tasks conducted within the lab or
in the field.
For example, the evidence acquisition form records descriptions of evidence, and the
chain of custody form tracks the handling of evidence.
Other forms are used at different stages to document what occurred during those
processes, ensuring thorough and transparent record-keeping
Documentation
• Following established policies and procedures is essential for ensuring consistent and reliable work in a
digital forensic lab.
• Every step of the investigation process should be accompanied by detailed documentation, including
both forms and examiner notes.
• This practice not only allows for seamless continuity if another examiner needs to take over but also
facilitates quality assurance by enabling the lab to replicate processes and verify that consistent results
are achieved.
• Documentation is a fundamental component of digital forensic investigations.
• It begins at the crime scene, before the seized device is even brought to the lab, and continues
through every stage of the investigation, up to and including courtroom testimony.
• Legal cases can take a long time, sometimes lasting months or even years, so keeping detailed
documentation is essential.
• Without it, an examiner may struggle to recall key details when called to testify, which could
compromise the integrity of their testimony and the overall strength of the case
Lab Accreditation

• Accreditation ensures that a digital forensic lab adheres to recognized standards

set by an authoritative body.
• This process involves evaluating whether the lab uses reliable investigation
methods, court-approved hardware and software, and trained personnel, and if
the physical setup of the lab meets established criteria.
• Accreditation is crucial for digital forensic labs as it validates the quality of
services offered.
Steps involved in the accreditation process
Step 1:Self-Assessment
• Determine why you seek accreditation. Is it to improve services, gain new clients, or
enhance credibility?
• Choose the appropriate standard for accreditation (e.g., ISO 17025 or ISO 17020).
• Decide which body will oversee the accreditation.
• The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a widely recognized
body for digital forensic labs (www.ascld.org).
• Other bodies include the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and the ANSI-
ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
• Identify the specific services (e.g., mobile, GPS, or computer forensics) you want to get
accredited.
• Identify best practices and methodologies relevant to your scope.
• Ensure you have backing from your organization’s top management.
Step 2: Assess Current Conformance
• Evaluate how well your lab currently meets the target accreditation standards:
• Review existing lab practices, tools, and methodologies.
• List lab staff, their certifications, and any ongoing training programs.
• Create a checklist of quality requirements needed for accreditation.
Step 3: Closing the Gap
• Identify and address the gaps between your lab’s current practices and the accreditation standards:
• Focus on fixing the most critical issues first.
• Consider accrediting one service at a time (e.g., computer forensics in the first year, mobile forensics
in the next).
• Collaborate with other accredited labs for guidance
Step 4: Implementation
• Train lab staff and update practices to meet accreditation standards. This includes
adopting new methodologies and using certified tools and equipment.
Step 5: Documenting Conformance
• Align lab methods with accredited standards.
• Ensure the necessary software, hardware, and personnel certifications are
in place.
• Regularly review and document lab performance against the standards.
Note: Accreditation is an investment and not mandatory for all labs, but it provides
assurance - lab operates at a high standard, enhancing its credibility and the
reliability of its work.