Natsar, LLC/Managing a Digital Forensics Lab | On Demand Course
cover image of managing a digital forensic lab

  • $695

Managing a Digital Forensics Lab Course

  • Course
  • 86 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

This comprehensive course is a masterclass for anyone thinking about starting or currently managing a digital forensics lab. Gain knowledge in key standards like ISO 17025, evidence storage, report writing, best practices, lab budgeting, facility design, physical security, and more. The course includes multiple forms, policies, and templates to accelerate your journey.

Listen to a podcast about this course here!

Includes 1 additional product

Course Contents

Introduction | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Managing a Digital Forensics Lab - Preview
Preview
Managing a Digital Forensics Lab - Introduction
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Natsar Course Syllabus - Managing a Digital Forensics Lab.pdf
Preview

Module 1 | Before Accepting Your First Case

Lesson 1.1 | Introduction to Digital Forensics
Lesson 1.2 | The Expertise Required in Digital Forensic Analysis
Lesson 1.3 | The Ethical and Moral Implications in Digital Forensics
Lesson 1.4 | Case Study: The Pitfalls in Digital Forensic Analysis
Lesson 1.5 | Overcoming These Challenges
Module 1 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 2 | Core Capabilities of a Digital Forensics Lab

Lesson 2.1 | Introduction to Core Forensic Services
Lesson 2.2 | Software, Hardware, and Equipment Considerations
Resource | CIRT Offsite Response Kit Contents.xlsx
Lesson 2.3 | Storage of Digital Evidence
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Storage of Digital Evidence and Forensic Images.docx
Module 2 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 3 | Forensic Lab Networks and Cybersecurity

Lesson 3.1 | Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the Forensics Lab
Resource | Example Forensic Network Architecture.pdf
Lesson 3.2 | Backups, Restoring, and Virtualizing Forensic Workstations
Resource | Workstation Image Update.docx
Module 3 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 4 | Hardware Writeblocking Devices

Lesson 4.1 | Introduction to Hardware Writeblocking Devices
Lesson 4.2 | Best Practices for Using Writeblockers
Lesson 4.3 | Validation of Writeblockers
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Equipment Testing and Validations.docx
Lesson 4.4 | Forensically Sanitized Media
Module 4 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 5 | Software Validations

Lesson 5.1 | Importance of Software Validation
Lesson 5.2 | Software Validation Policy
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Equipment Testing and Validations.docx
Resource | Forensic Validation Example - FTK Imager.docx
Module 5 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 6 | General Lab Equipment

Lesson 6.1 | Non-Forensic Workstations and Internet Access
Lesson 6.2 | Camera Equipment
Lesson 6.3 | Office Supplies
Lesson 6.4 | Workspaces and Tools
Lesson 6.5 | Cables
Module 6 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 7 | Qualifications of Laboratory Personnel

Lesson 7.1 | Accepting Forensic Work
Lesson 7.2 | The Certification Debate
Lesson 7.3 | Maintaining Training Records
Resource | CV Template.docx
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Training.docx
Resource | Testimony Evaluation Form.docx
Module 7 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 8 | Physical Configuration and Security

Lesson 8.1 | Physical Security
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Physical Security and Access.docx
Resource | Visitor Log.docx
Lesson 8.2 | Evidence Storage & Handling
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Evidence Handling Procedures.docx
Resource | Incoming Evidence Form.docx
Resource | Internal Chain of Custody Form.docx
Resource | Chain of Custody Form
Lesson 8.3 | Lab Construction Examples
Module 8 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 9 | Administrative Considerations

Lesson 9.1 | Importance of Standards and Lab Credibility
Lesson 9.2 | ISO 17025 Accreditation
Resource | Disheveled Digital Forensics - MSISA Thesis by Joshua S. Moulin.pdf
Lesson 9.3 | Case Management Database
Resource | Forensic Services Request Form.docx
Lesson 9.4 | Case Assignments, Triage, and Prioritization
Resource | National Cyber Incident Response Plan.pdf
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Case Triage, Assignment, and Prioritization.docx
Lesson 9.5 | Document Storage
Lesson 9.6 | Evidence Administration
Resource | Case Disposition Status Request Form.docx
Lesson 9.7 | Forensic Lab Financial Management
Resource | Sample Forensic Lab Budget.xlsx
Resource | Digital Forensic Services MOU.docx
Lesson 9.8 | Metrics and Service Level Agreements
Module 9 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Module 10 | Report Writing and Additional Documentation

Lesson 10.1 | Miscellaneous Forms
Resource | Consent to Permanently Delete Data.docx
Resource | Consent to Search Form.docx
Resource | Contraband Acknowledgement Form.docx
Resource | Post Mortem Analysis Checklist - Windows.docx
Resource | Lab Notes.docx
Resource | Book mentioned in course: The Checklist Manifesto
Lesson 10.2 | Miscellaneous Policies
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Complaints Regarding the Quality System.docx
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Deviation from Policies and Procedures.docx
Lesson 10.3 | Report Writing
Resource | Digital Forensic Report Template (Law Enforcement and Government Focus).docx
Resource | Digital Forensic Report Template (Civil, Administrative, and Expert Witness Focus)
Resource | DF Lab Policy Sample - Report Writing and Documentation.docx
Module 10 Quiz | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Conclusion | Managing a Digital Forensics Lab

Conclusion and Course Certification

Discover What Our Satisfied Customers Say

Really great stuff, and I only wish I'd come across this sooner. As it happens, I'm preparing my DF team for an audit of our DF lab - which includes lab management procedures. In searching for ways to structure lab management, I came across your course. Glad I did. Thanks!

John O.

Assistant Vice President

I just finished the course and I really can't say enough about it. Thanks, and I certainly look forward to future offerings.

Ed W.

Lab Director

I have looked everywhere for something like this course and couldn't find it, except here. I am just starting my digital forensics lab and this will help me so much. The course and materials were awesome - thank you!

Laura A.

Police Sergeant

What You Will Learn

In this comprehensive course, participants will delve deep into the intricacies of managing and optimizing a digital forensic laboratory. You will gain insights into the core capabilities for personnel, and recognize the importance of robust policies and procedures. The course highlights pivotal standards like ISO 17025 and provides guidance on facility design concepts, lab cybersecurity, evidence handling, budgeting, and hardware and software validation, all while ensuring physical security. Furthermore, attendees will master forensic report writing and explore a wealth of valuable documents, templates, and reports. You will also navigate the potential risks and legal challenges inherent in a digital forensic work. This course is indispensable for anyone starting or managing a digital forensics lab, regardless of your industry or sector.

Who Is This Course For?

  • Aspiring digital forensic analysts looking to set up their own labs.

  • Existing labs aiming to upgrade and align with global standards.

  • IT professionals keen on diving into the world of digital forensics.

  • Legal professionals seeking to understand the intricacies of digital evidence.

Why Choose This Course?

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: From hardware writeblocking devices and software validation to forensic report writing and lab cybersecurity we've covered every topic in detail

  • Real-World Scenarios: Learn from real-life examples, case studies, and practical resources that cover challenges faced in actual forensic labs

  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from insights and lessons drawn from real-world experiences, ensuring you're always a step ahead of your lab management journey

  • Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive modules, videos, and quizzes to solidify your understanding and skills

  • Continuing Education: Earn a certificate for this course, which includes tested training and can be used for continuing education toward cybersecurity and digital forensic certifications

Josh Moulin

Meet Your Instructor

Josh Moulin

MSc., CAWFE, CEH, CFCE, CHFI, CISSP, CNDA, DFCP, GCFA, GCFR, GCIA, GIME, GSEC

Josh Moulin is a cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience protecting critical systems and advising organizations worldwide. He began his career in law enforcement, where he led a cybercrimes task force and a digital forensics lab, pioneering efforts to combat cyber crime. Later, Josh served as a CIO and CISO in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex and as Senior Vice President of Operations at the Center for Internet Security (CIS), where he collaborated with DHS and CISA to secure U.S. state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT), and election organizations through the MS-ISAC and EI-ISAC. He also served as an Executive Partner at Gartner, advising federal and military leaders on strategic cybersecurity initiatives.

In addition to founding Natsar, LLC, a cybersecurity consulting firm, Josh is adjunct faculty teaching university courses on cybersecurity and digital forensics. With a Master’s in Information Security and Assurance and numerous certifications, Josh’s highly rated courses draw from real-world expertise to equip learners with the tools to navigate today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.

FAQs

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

Is there a written course syllabus?

Yes! The course syllabus can be downloaded in the introduction section above.

How long do I have access to the course?

When you purchase a course from Natsar, you have access to it for the lifetime of the course. Come back and review it as often as you like and even get access to free updates as they occur within the course.

How long does it take to get access to the course once I buy it?

Once you purchase the course, you will receive an instant email with instructions on how to access the course. You can also access it from within your account on store.natsar.com immediately. There is no waiting involved!

Do I have to finish each module before moving on to the next?

No. This course does involve testing and offers a certification and requires you to complete all lessons to earn the certification, but you can bounce around the course should you choose. We recommend going through it in the order we created it since it builds off of itself.

What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy is detailed here and we try to keep it simple. Essentially, you have 14 days to request a refund after buying the course. We will issue a full refund as long as the following are true:

  1. Your request is within 14 days of the purchase.
    You have not viewed more than 50% of the course.
    You have not downloaded the digital resources that are part of the course.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is tailored for individuals looking to start or manage a digital forensics lab, IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, law enforcement personnel, and anyone interested in the intricacies of digital forensic operations.

Do I need prior experience in digital forensics to take this course?

While having a background in digital forensics or IT can be beneficial, it's not mandatory. The course is designed to be comprehensive, catering to both beginners and experienced professionals.

Is there a certification upon completion?

Yes, upon successful completion of the course and its assessments, participants will receive a certificate of completion indicating that this course included tested training.

What if I have questions or need clarification during the course?

Our platform offers email support where participants can raise questions and get clarifications from our expert instructor.

How is this course different from other digital forensics courses available?

Our course is uniquely designed to cover not just the technical aspects but also the managerial, legal, and operational facets of running a digital forensics lab. Plus, it offers a wealth of documents, templates, and reports for practical use.

Yes, we offer special pricing for group enrollments or corporate training programs. Please contact our sales team for more details.

Yes, we offer special pricing for group enrollments or corporate training programs. Please contact us for more details at [email protected].

Will there be updates to the course content?

The digital forensics field is ever-evolving. We regularly update our course content to reflect the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the industry.