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Although disc-based storage is not as widely used as it once was for digital evidence archiving, it remains a viable solution when properly implemented and managed. In fact, many of the world’s largest technology companies are using and/or exploring disc-based storage systems for long-term offline storage of petabytes of customer data (e.g. Facebook uses 10,000 Blu-ray discs to store 'cold' data). They do so, however, in a managed environment with a thorough understanding of the medium’s strengths and limitations.

Many in law enforcement use write-once disc-based media for MASTER evidence storage, as it continues to be recommended via various industry best practice documents. Unfortunately, not everyone involved in the evidence chain understands the limitations and best practices as they relate to the care and handling of disc-based media. Adhesive labels, permanent markers, and ballpoint pens have destroyed more evidence than I care to even think about.

The Media-Geek.com Wiki is officially launched! Oh, Wiki you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind hey Wiki! Hey Wiki! Yep, I've officially lost my mind, but at least you didn't have to hear me actually sing that.

The Media-Geek Wiki is now available for our registered members, adding yet another way for members to share information, documentation, files, etc... One might think that a forensic community content management solution/system (CMS) with a multitude of additional content submission, categorization, and search abilities would be enough...but then, one would be wrong, wouldn't they?

Using a Wiki was one of the original concepts for this site discussed over three years ago while I was attending LEVA's Advanced Forensic Video Analysis & The Law course. Since then, there have been various tests and even a BETA launch in the summer of last year that was based on Microsoft's CMS product SharePoint. What it boiled down to was CMS or Wiki, knowing that both have advantages and disadvantages regardless of what product(s) or platforms you use. Then it hit me - why not both?

One of our members notified me yesterday that a file which had been uploaded to our site contained a signature associated with a known Trojan.  As soon as possible, I verified using multiple tools and removed the file from our server (H264Player.zip).  Always scan ALL downloads and attachments for malicious code, regardless of perceived source.

Tableau President to Lead Dedicated Business Unit Focused on Forensic Software and Hardware

PASADENA, Calif., May 10, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Guidance Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: GUID) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Tableau, LLC, a privately-held developer and manufacturer of computer forensic hardware. This acquisition extends Guidance Software's existing leadership in computer forensics technology by combining software with hardware for a complete forensic framework for the law enforcement, legal and corporate communities.

Read the complete press release: http://investors.guidancesoftware.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=468120

Alan Paller is director of research for the SANS Institute, a provider of security training and certification.

A few Sundays ago, the managing partner and IT partner from a large law firm in New York came to my home for a visit. It wasn't just for coffee. They had flown down to Washington to discuss what they might do in the aftermath of a troubling visit from the FBI.

Here's how the conversation went. Read full story >

CCTV cameras across London help solve almost six crimes a day, the Metropolitan Police (Met) has said.

Det Ch Insp Mick Neville, who heads the Met's identification unit, said CCTV images were "treated like fingerprints and DNA" by the force.

The number of suspects who were identified using the cameras went up from 1,970 in 2009 to 2,512 this year.

Full story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12080487

If someone uses the phrase "DVD Quality Video" in their marketing literature it usually means one of three things; (1) their product is crap, (2) they haven't the slightest clue about DVD-Video standards, or (3) they do understand the standards and are simply trying to mislead you...and their product is crap.

Now maybe I'm being a bit harsh here, but I take offense when companies attempt to mislead the "typical" consumer by using generalizations. The fact of the matter is that there are several standards for DVD-Video, along with other variables that can impact DVD-Video picture quality.

The 25th Annual LEVA Training Conference is underway in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A quick thank you to those who attended yesterday's Ocean Systems presentations. Moments ago I emailed a PDF copy of my morning presentation, "Fundamentals of Multimedia & Screen Capture", to those in attendance who requested it. If you were in attendance and would like a copy, simply shoot me an email.

I'll be attending the afternoon sessions today, lecturing about DCCTV Assessment & Recovery tomorrow, and attending classes Thursday and Friday as well. It's been a great turnout at a great location. Be sure to stop by and see us at the Ocean Systems booth today. Hope to see you there!

I've been doing geeky stuff for some time, you see.  Mostly in rooms with no windows, very few other people and that sweet hum of high-performance workstations.  I digress.  Your business = Your Website.  It should be a logical, intuitive user experience that is Secure, Responsive (Good performance & adapts to all screen sizes, etc.), and of course Cross-Platform. 

I may be able to help with that. 

I'm considering taking on one or two more non-profit/not-for-profit web development projects.  In other words, I only have so much time, and I prefer helping non-profits.  I can't do it for free, but pricing is reasonable and I can provide reputable references.  If interested, let's chat. 😎

Progressive Web Applications (PWA)

There's a lot to like about PWAs.  Some of my favorite things are performance, security, caching, integration with host OS, and of course a standardized user experience across Win10, macOS, Android, and iOS.  Oh, there's also no need to compile apps for multiple platforms, nor rely on Apple or Googles app stores for distribution (or anything else).  Yeah, I like that too.

In any case, I may be able to help you with that too, of course.  We'll see.  Thanks for your time & consideration.  Have an awesome day, my friends!

Wouldn't it be nice to see who else is logged in while you're online?  Well, now you can.  Check out the right-hand column on your profile homepage, and right under the "Status Center" you'll see a detailed listing of members currently logged in!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be periodically performing some maintenance and upgrades to the Media-Geek platform.  As a result, the site may occasionally be unavailable for brief periods.  If you're unable to access the site for an extended period (e.g. several hours) or believe you've found a bug or error during this time, please notify me via PM (private messaging) or our contact form.  Be safe, and happy holidays to you and yours. - LC

HP made some big product announcements today that I've been patiently waiting for.  My patience is wearing thin though, as the two devices I am most anxious to get my hands on won't be out until this summer.  I was a bit peeved earlier when I heard that, but there's no doubt I'll wait rather than jump ship to another OS (he says as he writes this post from his original Palm Pre).

For those who have spent any time with all of the major mobile operating systems, it has been clear from day one webOS has the most potential.  True multi-tasking is a biggie, and nobody does it better.

Yes, I'll wait for the Pre 3 and HP Touchpad, but I'd better get a nice loyalty discount HP! 😉

Here's more (with video & pics) from CNET - http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20031111-1.html

Brett Shavers, author and one of the main developers of the WinFE forensic boot environment, has released a free online training course on WinFE.

Online training is a great way to supplement classroom training, providing it's from a well organized and reputable source. It's great to see more options for online and flipped classroom training related to digital forensics, and I can assure you you'll be seeing even more soon! ;)