A formalized model of the Trace

This work proposes a formalized model, grounded in forensic science, to support a unified understanding of the Trace across scientific disciplines. The model is precisely defined in mathematical terms that reflect the dynamics of an offense as expressed in Locard’s Exchange principle. Specifically, this mathematical ap-proach represents the Trace as the modification of a Scene, subsequently perceptible, resulting from the Event under investigation. Examples are provided to illustrate how this conceptualization applies to for-ensic science, including DNA and digital evidence. Broader implications of this model are presented in the context of COVID-19, emphasizing the value of cohesive scientific study of the Trace. The aim of this work is to stimulate more formalized study of the Trace, both from tangible and abstract perspectives, and to strengthen forensic science as a whole

Ethical and Unethical Hacking

The goal of this chapter is to provide a conceptual analysis of ethical, comprising history, common usage and the attempt to provide a systematic classification that is both compatible with common usage and normatively adequate. Subsequently, the article identifies a tension between common usage and a normativelyadequate nomenclature. ‘Ethical hackers’ are often identified with hackers that abide to a code of ethics privileging business-friendly values. However, there is no guarantee that respecting such values is always compatible with the all-things-considered morally best act. It is recognised, however, that in terms of assessment, it may be quite difficult to determine who is an ethical hacker in the ‘all things considered’ sense, while society may agree more easily on the determination of who is one in the ‘business-friendly’ limited sense. The article concludes by suggesting a pragmatic best-practice approach for characterising ethical hacking, which reaches beyond business-friendly values and helps in the taking of decisions that are respectful of the hackers’ individual ethics in morally debatable, grey zones

A Framework for Harmonizing Forensic Science Practices and Digital/Multimedia Evidence

Like many other specializations within forensic science, the digital/multimedia discipline has been challenged with respect to demonstrating that the processes, activities, and techniques used are sufficiently scientific. To address this issue, in April 2015, the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee (SAC) established a Task Group (TG). This document summarizes the work of the TG that grew into establishing a harmonizing framework for forensic science practices and digital/multimedia evidence. The TG researched and deliberated on the essential elements of digital/multimedia science, the nature of evidence examined, the overarching scientific principles and reasoning processes, the questions addressed by core forensic processes, and the activities and techniques which support the core forensic processes. It reviewed a large volume of pertinent literature, conducted interviews of practitioners, academics, and other interested parties. Over a three-year period and many hours of debate, more than 40 discussion drafts were produced. The TG determined that digital/multimedia evidence, and other forensic disciplines, would be in a much stronger position to demonstrate their scientific basis as a harmonized forensic science rather than as mere disciplines at the intersection of forensic specialties and other sciences. The value of forensic science as a whole is that it uses scientific reasoning and processes within the framework articulated in this document to address questions – specific to an event or a case – for legal contexts, to provide decision-makers with trustworthy understanding of the traces in order to help them make decisions. The TG considered how the definitions and framework developed in the context of digital/multimedia evidence mesh with forensic science as a whole. The present document describes the concept of traces as the core nature of forensic evidence and the fundamental object of study in forensic science. It proposes a broad definition of forensic science, not limited to legal problems in civil and criminal justice systems (courtroom contexts), and describes the different types of reasoning that play a significant role in forensic science. Then it defines five core forensic processes, seven forensic activities, and three operational techniques. The formalization of forensic science reasoning processes and outcomes in this work leads to increased reliability, repeatability, and validation in forensic results. This, in turn, gives decision-makers increased confidence in and understanding of forensic results. The resulting definitions and framework can be used to harmonize concepts and practices within digital/multimedia science, and are likely applicable to most forensic disciplines. As such, this work may be useful in articulating their scientific basis, and promoting forensic science as one science, which is more than the union of a patchwork of forensic disciplines. The new paradigm created by the digital realm brings a unique opportunity to revisit fundamental definitions in forensic science and to strengthen the identity of forensic science as a whole, unified by common principles and processes that can address questions for legal contexts. This document represents the conclusions and recommendations of the TG as of the date of its writing. The work continues and future versions of this document can be expected to contain new observations and updated conclusions