Environmental Requirements
Temperature
The computer forensics laboratory is charged with investigating a wide range of criminal and prosecution cases in cyber security related to the critical infrastructure industry. Environmental requirements such as temperature are very important in ensuring the working environment of the computer laboratory instrument and equipment.
The computer laboratory will have to be kept on low temperatures. The RAM memory can be analyzed and the data recovered when there is a power loss. However, the length of the time for which the data can be recovered can be prolonged if low temperatures and higher cell voltages are maintained. Temperatures below -60 0c aid the unpowered RAM to conserve lingering data by an order of scale. As a result of this the chances of conducting a successful data recovery are improved. The forensic laboratory will therefore be kept under a temperature of below -60 0C. Having these temperatures below that level may be challenging especially during outdoor operations but within the laboratory it can be achieved. Ultra low temperature is recommended for the freezer storage. The drying rooms for the evidence collected is to be located at the a ;location that centrally located with the lab premises.
Humidity
The objective of computer forensics is basically to scrutinize digital media a forensically sound environment with the goal of conserving, recovering, taking an analysis as well as giving the facts and conclusions on the information obtained this way. A favorable humidity level will be of great importance for the operations by the components and applications of the forensic laboratory system. To achieve the highest level of performance, the level of humidity has to be controlled under different operations and applications.
It is recommended that there is a degree of difference pressure advancement of spaces; this is to verify the need for positive and negative pressure spaces hence a favorable humidity level. A standard storage room will be required fully installed with a lab refrigerator as well as secure storage components. The components in the standard storage room will require a moderate to high humidity levels. The preparation of reagents will require a room with moderate level of humidity as most of the chemicals are in the best condition under an environment that is neither too cold nor too dry.
Power
When capturing evidence, the forensic machines must be active and if any the power goes off, any data that is on the RAM memory will be lost. This kind of data stored temporarily on the RAM memory may be lost, for instance, the “live analysis” application losing power just before capturing an exhibit.
The power requirements include all apparatus that ensure that there is a constant, sufficient and most importantly a reliable power supply. These apparatus include the power supplies. The power supplies have to meet all the project needs, but not all the equipments will meet the requirements. It is better to go for quality power supplies rather than the cheaper ones. The power supply requirements for the project must exceed the minimum for the motherboard or processor combo to be purchased for the project. Large capacity power units should be purchased; those that are rated for a range of between7 to 8 hard drives. Power supply equipment that is rated 550 watt to 1000 watt units are appropriate for majority of the forensic laboratory applications. Multiple supplies will be important since some of the cases and enclosures need such power supplies to operate.
Computers in a forensic lab need to keep a record of a legitimate sequence of evidence as well as allow the facilitation of the forensic work that is being carried on the machines. Additionally, a live and operating desktop is very crucial. Techniques such as the mouse jiggler makes the mouse to make small movements that keep the desktop live, but normally, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) will be very crucial to deliver power at times of transit. UPS tools will be of a great data loss save and hence the need to acquire at least one UPS for each computer component. UPS will also be important for laboratory instrumentation which include; Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Identification System (CODIS), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Drug fire, Integrated Ballistic Imaging System (IBIS).
A central UPS system is the best for the forensic laboratory; however, local UPS can be used. Sufficient ports for all the computers and work stations within the laboratory will be very important for the functionality of the lab.
References
A Standard Level of Acceptability for Computer Forensics. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.astm.org/SNEWS/FEBRUARY_2006/barbara_feb06.html
Angelos (2013, April 13). FBI — Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory Receives Prestigious International Accreditation, Unveils Mobile Lab. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/losangeles/press-releases/2013/orange-county-regional-computer-forensics-laboratory-receives-prestigious-international-accreditation-unveils-mobile-lab
Computer Forensics Lab at EInvestigations, Texas & New York. (2013). Retrieved from http://einvestigations.com/computer-forensics/the-forensic-lab/
US Department of Justice (n.d.). Kentucky RCFL- regional computer forensics laboratory program. Retrieved from http://www.krcfl.org/
