Network Forensic Evidence Mistakes: Advancements in Technology

The Assignment

The second written assessment is a report related to the first laboratory exercise. You should choose a case from the list given to you in the lab or another case of your choice. You should then examine what mistakes or errors were made regarding the network forensic evidence in the case. Then, discuss the advancements in technology that have led to greater availability of forensic evidence and suggest how different the evidence in the case may be today with the new technology and the proliferation of the technology available today.

The due date and time will be strictly adhered to. If an assignment is late, generally a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark will be deducted for each 24-hour period late. The report must be entirely your own work. Any evidence of collaboration or plagiarism will be dealt with through academic integrity regulations through the school registrar.



Report 2 is a  report not including references. This report is derived from the web browser laboratory. You should select a case where an error or mistake in recovering, viewing or analysing digital evidence was made. Briefly highlight the error and then discuss what could have been done better in the investigation with today’s technology.

Kayo Matsuzawa: Kayo was found in a locked alarm maintenance cupboard in Queen Street in Auckland in 1999. Her body was not discovered until 10 days after her murder. Access to the stairwell required the use of an RFID device swiped over a reader to unlock a door. This printed out on a dot matrix printer connected to a computer so that a list of the day’s ‘swipes’ were recorded on a length of perforated paper. This was complicated by the fact that the stairwell was between 2 buildings and each building had its own, separate, but similar system. The records for several days before and after the murder disappeared and were never found. You may watch the 3 part documentary on Youtube if you want to understand the entire case although this may not be necessary. The documentary series is “Who Killed Kayo”.

Janine Sutphen: In 2003 Janine was murdered by her husband who worked as a computer consultant. Her body has never been found. What evidence in 2019 may be available that would not have been available in 2003?

Darrell Simon: In 2014 Darrell Simon disappeared from his Australian property. His body was discovered by accident in 2016. Why was he not discovered earlier and what could have been done better in this case? What has changed with accuracy of the technology and what new technology may have assisted the searchers?

Chandra Levy: In 2001 Chandra Levy disappeared and her remains were not found until over 12 months later. There were a number of unfortunate issues with the digital evidence in this case which had serious consequences. We shall watch a short video highlighting the issues with the forensic evidence. What should have been done to secure evidence? What evidence may be available now that was not available in 2001? Consider the proliferation of cell phones, cameras, personal connected devices, GPS and other devices. Is it likely now that this case could have been provided with more digital and network evidence than in 2001?