August 2nd, 2010 by lhaasviaForensics CIO, Andrew Hoog, has been profiled in Digital Forensics Magazine‘s feature “Meet the Professionals.” Here’s a brief excerpt:
What is your view on the convergence of computing devices such as PC’s & Mobile phones, the wider integration of IP devices and the possible implications for the Digital Forensic Investigator?
I believe convergence of the computer, phone and other devices will have a significant impact on digital forensics. One issue, which we must grapple and ultimately deal with, is that typically mobile phones (or any device without a traditional hard drive) cannot be imaged with a write blocker. This inevitably leads to a bit of a “religious war” in the forensics community over what is forensically sound. I think common sense will play a large role in ultimately putting this issue to rest. Convergence also means significantly more R&D, not just the latest OS from Microsoft but new file systems (take YAFFS2 found in Android devices), new types of flash/ssd memory and much more.
A great example for this convergence impacting companies today is the use of smart phones to circumvent IT security. When I present to corporations, I will typically use my Android phone to connect to the Internet. Usually during the presentation, the security folks will tell us that their systems are secure and they have little to worry about. I then hold up my phone and inform them that I completely circumvented all of the IT security controls with my phone… the tone of the conversation typically changes quite quickly.
