Searching for Resources on Forensic Computing? 14
Computer-quincyME asks: "I am very interested in forensic computing (using computers to help forensics, like in blood spatter analysis, geographic profiling etc.) but despite some extensive Googling, I'm not able to find any decent site that contains information on current forensic problems that don't have yet an acceptable computing implementation (I'd like to try my hand at writing some forensic software in my spare time, and I wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel, but to create something useful). Any forensics experts in the Slashdot crowd that could give me a hand? Do you know of any tasks you have to routinely do these days by hand that you would kill to have more automated? Also, how did you end up in your current job?"
www.sans.org (Score:2, Informative)
Bah! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Bah! (Score:1)
Re:Bah! (Score:2)
By questioning the veracity of my previous terrorism claims, I can only conclude that you too are a terrorist...
How about asking? (Score:1, Flamebait)
A> Go outside.
B> Find the local police foresnic department.
C> Ask.
Re:How about asking? (Score:3, Interesting)
I actually used to volunteer with my county's sheriff's office. It was way out in the sticks, and crime wasn't a huge thing. But still, we had murders and all that evilness. Most of it was domestic violence.
So one day, I do exactly what you purposed. I had sorta known the detectives, and shoot--it seemed perfectly reasonable to ask about how they go about collecting evidence and coming up with models, etc. That was a mistake. The very first statement out of the guy's mouth was that he wouldn't ever share HIS methods with anyone unless by court order (testifying, etc.). Too much fear that if you knew his personal methods, you could then commit a crime that would never be solved. Plus, he (possibly correctly) assumed that maybe I would use this to my advantage in the future.
You might be able to find out general information about the practices, though. Heck--watch TLC and Discovery. But if you notice carefully, you'll find that you never do get to see any particular detective's methods. You only get bits and pieces that may or may not be relevant. It's very much a predator-prey lifestyle. You may also be able to ask professors at a college or university that teaches forensic science.
Just be careful never to ask in such a way that makes you look guilty before you start.
bullet matching software (Score:2, Informative)
Re:bullet matching software (Score:2)
The system you are referring to is called DRUGFIRE [state.fl.us]. It's been around for a loooooooong time.
Re:bullet matching software (Score:1)
Ah, thought you meant computer forensics... (Score:2)
Pity, since I read the other day that one of the UK universities is setting up courses in computer forensics.
Physics Modeling.... (Score:3, Insightful)
However, one thing I'd like more of would be physics/event recreation and modeling. Granted, it's very complex stuff. But to be able to analyze blood splatters, glass breakage, etc in software would be great. Although manual inspection usually suffices, putting events together in one similation would be benificial, especially giving a deposition.
some resources that i have used (Score:2)
Know Your Enemy: Revealing the Security... [amazon.com]
Computer Forensics [amazon.com]
Hacker's Challenge [amazon.com]
the hackers challenge is a little weak on info sometimes. A lot of the challenges are deduced from info that they don't give you...
Re:some resources that i have used (Score:3, Informative)
What he is looking is sites like: SPEX Forensic Light Sources and AFIS/APIS [crimescope.com], Imaging Forensics [imagingforensics.com],Interpol's Forensics Info page [interpol.int], or Zeno's Forensic Forum [forensic.to] (this last site has a bunch of links to explore further).
Of course, to get to these you also have to avoid all the sites that relate to Forensics, the scientific term given to debate team.