Reliability validation enabling framework (RVEF) for digital forensics in criminal investigations

Abstract

This paper proposes a formal reliability validation enabling framework (RVEF) for evaluation of digital forensics in criminal investigations. The RVEF is informed by examined theoretical and conceptual gaps between law and digital forensics related to reliability and validation. Identified are validation criteria and validation testing techniques for digital forensics as well as their limitations and challenges.

The proposed RVEF aims to satisfy the objective for documenting the chain of evidence and custody as standard process. It is a generic and extensible approach to create a formal procedure for documentation of reliability information at three levels: technology, method, and application. For each level reliability criteria are compared against international digital forensic standards, guidelines, and best practices in order to elaborate concrete minimum documentation requirements necessary to enable reliability validation by law enforcement. The framework aims to increase accountability, reliability testing, and machine-human error mitigation in digital forensics. It can also serve judges and defense lawyers to cross-examine the forensic report in a formalized process, access the proportionality of the investigation measures, and potential risks from the inappropriate use of technology.