The risks for digital evidence

After the discussion of quality assurance in digital evidence, the question of the future naturally follows. Some leaders in the field have made the disturbing observation that the overall quality of digital forensic examination is declining and the comprehension of cybercrime is diminishing. This reliable observation appears to be in conflict with the simultaneous improvement in the general public’s knowledge of technology and its attendant utility irrespective of the level of economic development. Further, such a decline is occurring at a time when all communities are becoming more dependent on technology and therefore individuals are generating more digital traces representing thoughts, behaviours and actions that might be used in evidence in any proceedings. The decline is a great concern as the consequences of errors and omissions in forensic science result in miscarriages of justice, and dangerous criminals will continue to be at large to perpetrate further crimes against persons and organisations. The public rightfully expects that its justice system will continuously improve in meeting the needs of the community and to have confidence in the evidence that might be presented.