The state crime lab has contracted AB Investigative Services (ABIS) to prepare a forensic plan to ensure that current problems with computer forensic investigations are erased and training is provided.
An initial ABIS audit shows that many areas of the lab are not prepared to conduct extensive computer forensic evidence collection. You have been asked to prepare a set of recommendations on how to handle the following areas and related problems:
Forensic plan and policy adherence: How will the investigator and the lab ensure proper QA and QC over computer forensic products?
Order of volatility: How do we deal with suppliers, distributors, and end-consumers? Do we offer special pricing to different customer sets?
Inventory and warehouse management: How do we handle returns?
Customer service: How will customers communicate with us?
Security and privacy: How do we protect our intellectual property and customer data?
Technology: Should we outsource any applications/functions? What new technology applications are required to accommodate e-business?
The aforementioned questions are intended to get you started, but consider other challenges within each area that could be addressed.
Individual Portion:
Each member of the team should research one of the topics from the assignment description and make several key recommendations for his or her area. Apply your learning in technology coursework, personal experience, and Internet research to make recommendations in each of these areas. Where you do not have sufficient background information from the case study, you may make assumptions—as long as they are stated and supported.
Please add your file.
Group Portion:
Discuss how you would combine all of your research into a summary and recommendation for ABIS. Your discussion should include solutions for the issues presented in the assignment description.
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Forensic plan and policy adherence:
Develop a comprehensive forensic plan that outlines procedures for the collection, preservation, and analysis of computer evidence.
Establish quality assurance and quality control protocols to ensure the integrity and accuracy of forensic products.
Train investigators and lab personnel on the forensic plan and protocols to ensure proper adherence.
Regularly review and update the forensic plan to stay current with industry best practices and changes in technology.
Order of volatility:
Develop procedures for dealing with suppliers, distributors, and end-consumers that are in line with industry standards.
Consider offering special pricing to different customer sets based on volume or other factors.
Establish relationships with key suppliers and distributors to ensure a steady supply of necessary materials.
Inventory and warehouse management:
Implement an inventory management system that allows for real-time tracking of materials and supplies.
Develop procedures for handling returns, including inspection and testing of returned items to ensure they are in good working condition.
Regularly review and update inventory management procedures to stay current with industry best practices.
Customer service:
Establish a customer service team that is trained to handle customer inquiries and complaints.
Develop a process for customers to communicate with ABIS, such as a dedicated customer service email address or phone number.
Use customer feedback to improve products and services.
Security and privacy:
Implement security measures to protect intellectual property and customer data from unauthorized access.
Establish protocols for handling sensitive data and ensure that all employees are trained in security and privacy best practices.
Regularly review and update security protocols to stay current with industry best practices.
Technology:
Consider outsourcing certain applications or functions to specialized companies that have the necessary expertise.
Identify new technology applications that are required to accommodate e-business, such as cloud storage or encryption.
Regularly review and update technology infrastructure to stay current with industry best practices.
In summary, the forensic lab should develop a comprehensive forensic plan and establish quality assurance and quality control protocols to ensure the integrity and accuracy of forensic products. They should also establish relationships with key suppliers, implement an inventory management system, establish a customer service team and develop a process for customer communication, implement security measures to protect intellectual property and customer data, and consider outsourcing certain applications or functions to specialized companies. They should also review and update the above protocols regularly to stay current with industry best practices.
