Forensic

Introduction

One of the key functionality of a forensic expert is to utilize scientific principles in a bid to negate inherent theories related to evidence provided at a particular crime scene. It is their obligation to gather or receive evidence from a crime scene and hence provide concrete findings for an in-depth analysis. As such, given the scenario below, this essay seeks to utilize critical thinking derived from forensic knowledge to determine whether it will be wise for the CyberTech to drop one of the lawsuits or not. The objective of the analysis is to maintain the CyberTech’s Image by ensuring that it takes an unbiased decision as a cyber-security consultant company.

Explanation of the Issue

CyberTech is a forensic company, which is currently faced by two major cases that are bound to cause a tangible impact on the company’s existence in the long-term. In the first case, the Anomalous, a grey hat hacking group has been categorized as a key suspect, where the computers belonging to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been hacked and the information of workers compromised.  Anomalous is a Non-US company. It also claims that Equation Set, a U.S.-Based hacking company attempted to hack its facilities. Cyber-tech has been involved in both cases as a forensic company. 

Information Analysis

Anomalous is a suspect of OPM hack- in June 2015, there was a breach of OPM information system and Anomalous was the key suspect. According to OPM, 4.2 million government employees (current and former), military members, as well as their families and contractor’s information was compromised. Such a breach attracted stiff political debates since it threatened national security. 

Equation set hack on anomalous- anomalous claimed that Equation, a US-Based company gained access to their facility where the files in their systems were strongly encrypted and such encryption would have cost approximately 100 bitcoins (Krebs, 2016). A report from the investigation undertaken by Anamalous shows that a back-up email belonging to the U.S.-Based company-Equation Set was used to access the computer.

Consideration of Alternative Viewpoints

The inherent question is, ‘should CyberTech offer its support to Anomalous whilst on the OPM hack’? Based on the analysis provided above, it is clear that CyberTech has a conflict of interests inclusive of ethical considerations. According to my opinion, CyberTech should withdraw its forensic investigation for Anomalous because the lawsuit has the potential to cause devastating effects to the company in the near future. The client is involved in fraudulent dealings and hence it is not advisable for the CyberTech to continue its investigations to protect its image. 

References

Krebs, B. (2016). San Francisco Rail System Hacker Hacked. Krebon Security Internet Blog.