The future of computer forensics: a needs analysis survey

The current study was a pilot study and attempted to add to the growing body of knowledge regarding inherent issues in computer forensics. The study consisted of an Internet-based survey that asked respondents to identify the top five issues in computer forensics. Sixty respondents answered the survey using a free form text field. The results indicated that education/training and certification were the most reported issue (18%) and lack of funding was the least reported (4%). These findings are consistent with a similar law enforcement community study (Stambaugh, Beaupre, Icove, Cassaday, Williams. State and local law enforcement needs to combat electronic crime. National Institute of Justice Research in Brief (2001)). The findings emphasize the fragmented nature of the computer forensics discipline. Currently there is a lack of a national framework for curricula and training development, and no gold standard for professional certification. The findings further support the criticism that there is a disproportional focus on the applied aspects of computer forensics, at the expense of the development of fundamental theories. Further implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research in the area are presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.