A forensic first: Lab becomes the first to achieve Home Office standard for computer and phone investigation
Tuesday, 24 April, 2012
A significant step forward has been made in improving the quality of computer and phone forensics, with the awarding of a Government-recommended standard to CCL-Forensics - the UK's largest dedicated provider of digital forensic services.
The company, which also develops innovative forensic software products, has become the first of its kind to be awarded the coveted ISO17025 standard for both its computer and mobile phone forensic labs.
This complex standard has been recommended by the Home Office Forensic Science Regulator, Andrew Rennison - and all laboratories handling digital evidence should hold the certification by 2015.
CCL-Forensics was one of only a handful of testing laboratories to hold ISO17025 for mobile phone forensics, and the news that it has now attained the same for computer forensics is a first in the forensic community.
ISO17025 is a complex and detailed standard which demonstrates that the company operates a management system, is technically competent and able to generate technically valid results, to ensure the highest standard of forensic examination.
It is seen as the highest level of accreditation for this type of work, and complements CCL-Forensics' already impressive tally of certification which includes ISO27001 (data security) and ISO9001 (quality standard).
Dave Lattimore, CCL-Forensics' total quality manager says: "This news is a significant step towards a quality, regulated digital forensic industry, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at CCL-Forensics.
"It has always been our philosophy to drive quality forward in this industry, and achieving this standard not just for one - but TWO - of our laboratories, only goes to cement that commitment.
"ISO17025 is by no means straightforward to achieve. It has taken years of dedication to gain this multi-faceted standard.
"It is a welcome recommendation by the Forensic Regulator that all digital forensic laboratories - both in the public and private sector - are certified to this standard."
CCL-Forensics is now looking to expand its accreditation yet further, to include other branches of digital forensic investigations, including cell site (mobile phone location) analysis.
The standard, which carries the official title "the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories" is assessed and awarded directly by the UK Accreditation Service, UKAS.
