Face-Reading Technology

Face-reading software is becoming more and more popular nowadays for many different reasons. Companies such as Affectiva and Emotient have developed technology that can read fleeting facial expressions and register the emotion. This software was developed over a 2.5 year period while studying 1.5 billion facially delivered emotions from individuals via webcam who consented to the study. Affectiva places heavy emphasis on getting consent before usage of the software so as not to rattle privacy concerns. Scientists and companies alike see this type of software leading future advances in different fields including police investigations, education, gaming, advertising, and medicine. It even introduces promise to aid autistic children in picking up facial clues.

Take a look at this fascinating article here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Eisenberg, A. (November 30, 2013). When Algorithms Grow Accustomed to Your Face. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/technology/when-algorithms-grow-accustomed-to-your-face.html?_r=0

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Be Careful Around The Holidays!

While trying to be a part of the holiday spirit, or at least the “great shopping time” spirit, a word of advice is that one needs to be careful when shopping online around the holidays. Why? Because hackers have the ability to steal your information off of your banking websites. In an article from ABC News, Ira Victor, Director of Digital Forensics Practice at Data Clone Labs says “the cyber criminals can essentially drain your savings account without you even knowing it, or alerting the bank.” But what can we do? Isn’t cyber Monday one of the busiest shopping days online of the year? Ira’s solution is to do all your banking over the phone, or even in person if it is possible to avoid cybercrime and hacking.

For the full article, click here!

Citation
Boatman, S. (2013, December 2). Hackers targeting online banking on cyber monday. Retrieved from News4.com website:                                   http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/Hackers-Targeting-Online-Banking-On-Cyber-Monday/gTBXsLq4VESmHgx3GfI-                   Eg.cspx

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Anniversity Show – Episode 42 – Fraud Examination and Investigation

The ForensicWeek.com Show is celebrating its first year anniversary by broadcasting Episode 42, Thursday, December 5, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM (EST). The topic this week is Fraud Examination and Investigation.  “OH What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive?” – Sir Walter Scott.  The crime of fraud is a misrepresentation with an intent to deceive.   Professors Tom Coogan and Colin May from Stevenson University’s Forensic Studies Program, are experts and scholars in the fields of fraud investigation and white collar crime.  Want to learn more about the topic and the career field?  Then join host Tom Mauriello, his student interns and his special guests at www.ForensicWeek.com .  As always – Thanks for watching.

Computer Forensics Webinars

Forensicfocus.com currently has several archived computer forensics related webinars available on their site. The featured presentations, in general, appear to be about 30 minutes long, although some do range from 18 to 60 minutes. The reasonable lengths of the productions allow them to easily be incorporated into one’s daily schedule. Some of the featured webinars include “Finding Evidence in an Online World – Trends and Challenges in Digital Forensics”, “Mobile Forensics: MPE + Android Malware Detection”, and “Some Pitfalls of Interpreting Forensic Artifacts in the Windows Registry” to name a few.

To check out these webinars, visit the website here.

Source: forensicfocus.com

Citation:

Forensic Focus. Webinars. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.forensicfocus.com/webinars

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Seizing Digital Evidence

Collecting physical evidence from crime scenes proves to be slightly different from collecting digital evidence, which poses unique challenges. Some people think that in order to “execute a warrant within 10 days” they must process the digital evidence within that time. However, what it actually means is that the warrant must simply be served within that 10-day period. Additionally, investigators possess different understandings across the board concerning the necessity of an additional warrant to collect digital evidence from within a seized computer. Sometimes they will acquire these extra warrants that detail exactly what types of files will be searched within the computer so as not to violate the 4^th amendment. Knowledge of these factors and more can aid in the collection and investigation of digital evidence.

To read more on this subject, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Forensic Magazine. Executing a Warrant for Digital Evidence. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.Uo0DLGTBLKt

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The Death Scene Checklist

When investigating a death scene, there are many things to do and many goals to achieve. Having no structure to your investigation is not a successful way of going through the process of checking a scene out. As author Dick Warrington states in his article on forensicmag.com, an investigator must have a checklist. “Good investigators can keep lots of details in their heads. Great investigators document the details.” Another statement in the article, most cases go to a jury trial. In order to do a good job, and specifically, to remember what happened in the case, a checklist goes a long way. Warrington goes through why a checklist may help whether it is in a complex crime scene or just a simple one where a jury trial will make all the difference. An interesting read for someone who is interested in learning more about the correct way to do investigating. Along with the information provided above, there are links that lead to webinars from Warrington on how to use death scene checklists.

For the full article, click here!

Warrington, D. (2013, October 22). Crime scene documentation: The death scene checklist. Forensic Magazine.

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

A New Cybercrime Lab

In an article from the Canberra Times out of Australia, the Australian Federal Police are receiving a new cyber forensics building that will be used to fight cybercrime. After an attack on the Police’s website, construction began on a $106 million dollar crime lab. The lab is being built with the specific purpose of detecting and fighting back against cybercrime. The lab will also hold facilities for “crime scene analysis, as well as firearms, fingerprints, criminalistics and identification sciences.” With a strong fight on cybercrime, this lab will be the beginning of a new age in cyber-forensics.

For the full article, click here!

Anderson, S. (2013, November 22). New forensics lab will help police take the fight to cyber
criminals. The Canberra Times.

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 41 – “The Art and Science of Fingerprint Examination.”

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 41 this Thursday, November 21, 2013, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST).  The topic for discussion is “The Art and Science of Fingerprint Examination.”  Learn about the significance of this physical evidence as a form of personal identification and crime scene presence.  Join Host, Tom Mauriello and special guest retired Maryland State Police Latent Fingerprint Examiner, Tim Ostendarp.  They will delve into the field of fingerprint examination and how technology has increased the value of latent fingerprints found at a crime scene.  Hear about a day in the life of a fingerprint examiner from a professional who began his career as a police officer and then moved into the crime lab seeking new challenges. Just click on www.ForensicWeek.com and be educated as well as entertained.  Thanks for watching.

Using their Brains – or not: Neuroscience in the Courtroom

When does science infringe on a court’s ability to appropriately decide a case? Neuroscience, the study of the brain, has challenged previous notions regarding juvenile delinquency and the accountability of juveniles for their crimes. Lawyers have increasingly brought brain scans to trial in order to contest the competency of their defendants at the time of police interrogations, guilty pleas, or the crime. Neuroscientists in this article have mixed feelings about certain studies used in courts. Some believe that brain scans are used too often, and some also feel that these scans could have negative consequences. As of now, it is left to the judge’s discretion on whether such studies should be admitted into evidence.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: Hamilton, J. (November 12, 2013) NPR. The Case Against Brain Scans as Evidence in Court. Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/11/12/244566090/brain-scans-shouldnt-get-their-day-in-court-scientists-say.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Advances for Blood Stain Analysis

A recent major breakthrough has been noted in the realm of blood analysis. Researchers at Teesside University have developed a blood detecting camera prototype. The device is designed to detect trace amounts of haemoglobin at crime scenes. Not only that, but the camera has been proven to aid with a swift and accurate time of death estimation, especially with fresh blood samples. This device will revolutionize the formerly time-consuming, inefficient techniques of blood analysis at crime scenes. Researchers are hopeful that, in the future, this breakthrough can develop into a method that can be used for other crime scene liquids as well.

To find out more, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

The Independent. The blood detectives: Scientific breakthrough in reading stains may help solve crimes. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-blood-detectives-scientific-breakthrough-in-reading-stains-may-help-solve-crimes-8906451.html

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Inaccurate Lab Results to Potentially Change Dozens of DUI Convictions

A recent crime laboratory audit in Orange County, Calif. uncovered a “human error” that affects 2,200 DUI cases over the past 6 months. One of the devices on one of the machines used to test for blood alcohol content was apparently calibrated incorrectly. This 0.003% error could render a 0.01% decrease in about 200 cases, bringing the results from 0.08% down to 0.07% which is below the legal limit. Some are expected to challenge their convictions due to this error while others are suspected accept their sentences believing that their BAC, although presently proven to have been legal at the time of analysis, would have been above the legal limit at the time of arrest.

To learn more, check out the article here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Winton, R. Los Angeles Times. Lab error could affect hundreds of Orange County DUI cases. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-oc-dui-20131111,0,899864.story#axzz2kLRNb4Cz

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The Omnivore Field Kit

It’s hard to get video evidence in today’s world. Only a few years ago, videotape evidence was used in many cases throughout the world. Now we have moved into the age of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). In an article from policeone.com, an article from police and security news’ website goes through a few disadvantages to having the new DVR system as a system that gathers video recordings and then provides a solution. An example of a shortcoming is that some media storage devices’ connection ports that are being used to collect video evidence might be incompatible with other devices. The article states that sometimes these connection ports are broken or just the wrong type altogether. A solution from Ocean Systems is the Omnivore Field Kit. The kit is capable of connecting to any type of video device and capable of storing many uncompressed files of video evidence. In a very slim and portable case, the Omnivore Field Kit is available to make investigations with video evidence progress much smoother.

Read the full article here!

Ocean systems releases video acquisition field kit. (2013, October 2). Retrieved from Policeone.com website: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/investigation/computer-forensics/articles/6491797-Ocean-Systems-releases-video-acquisition-field-kit/

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Digital Evidence Warrants

When executing a warrant for digital evidence, author John J. Barbara states in his article from forensicmag.com, one must execute the warrant within 10 days. However, he states, most investigators “have interpreted this to also mean that the forensic analysis of the digital devices must be completed within ten days after they are seized.” Barbara goes further to explain that there is no guideline that states one must do so. Barbara then talks about how many warrants are actually needed to go through computer evidence. This article is an interesting read for anyone learning about the legal side of obtaining search warrants and executing them.

For the full article, click here!

Citation

Barbara, J. J. (2013, October 29). Executing a warrant for digital evidence. Retrieved from Forensic Magazine website: http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.UoTcYBpJOAg

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Undetectable Guns

In light of 3D printing, it has become possible for individuals to create working weapons out of plastic, thus posing a new threat in access to weaponry. The current federal law mandates that a gun manufacturer must use a certain amount of metal in the finished product for the gun to be detectable by security scanners. This law on undetectable firearms will expire on December 9, and federal officials now must discern the proper course of action in dealing with plastic guns. Some members of Congress have argued that important components of the gun should be made of metal.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: Yost, P. (November 14, 2013) Forensic Magazine. Undetectable Guns a Law Enforcement Challenge. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/11/undetectable-guns-law-enforcement-challenge#.UoUyMvmsiyY.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]