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Many times it happens that we face the situation of data loss. In such cases, depending upon the importance of the lost data - we take appropriate steps to recover it. Given below are the 7 simple tips, which should be followed while recovering the lost data.

1. Do not use your system. When you use the computer the chances of overwriting and irreparable loss are extremely high.

2. Do not try and copy any files to or from your disk.

3. Never connect to the internet until the lost data has been recovered.

4. Try and free space on the disk that contains lost files. Empty the recycle bin and browser cache.

5. Avoid removing the cover of hard drive or any other component.

6. Call in the data recovery experts.

7. Package the drive properly when you send it in to a data recovery specialist.

Either a good way to conceal data, or an under-utilised way of compressing information when sending it alongside images - either way, Steganography is a neat idea. Sadly, generally used for nefarious purposes.

Alex Kelleher’s blog explains more.

The forensic laboratory in Kalina completed 50 years in operations. The golden jubilee celebrations started on Monday, with the launch of National Workshop on Tape Authentication & Speaker Identification. Forensic scientists and police officers participated in large numbers as experts from renowned institutes across India delivered lectures on speech, voice analysis and phonetics.

A booklet was released on the occassion which listed the major cases handled by the laboratory. The forensic lab has started techniques like polygraph test, narco-analysis, brain fingerprinting , cyber forensics, tape authentication, speaker identification and forensic clinical toxicology.

The U.S. advisory firm KPMG, recently launched a new product - GETS 2.0.  Global Evidence Tracking System 2.0 (GETS 2.0) will help clients track physical and logical evidence for investigation projects - from collection through the processing and production stages. It is designed to provide a systematic order of digital evidence, preservation of processed data, and document the chain of custody for digital evidence.

In addition, it also includes a task history feature that provides a detailed processing status and history of each item of evidence.

Thus, GETS 2.0 is designed to provide clients with a tailored approach to digital forensic evidence management. The tracking system will not only enhance the data collection process, but also the preservation process.

Apple’s iPhone is quickly becoming the world’s #1 mobile device, being increasingly used in business, personal activities, and ofcourse crime. To educate professionals on how to recover data from the iPhone - O’Reilly is hosting a Forensics workshop in Boston.

The speaker at the workshop will be Jonathan Zdziarski, original iPhone hacker and author of iPhone Forensics. This two-day workshop will guide you, hands on, through forensic examination of an iPhone and iPhone 3G. It will teach methods for recovering evidence, personal data and corporate assets from the iPhone.

The workshop will attract many security experts and law enforcement officials interested in recovering information from the iPhone. Also, students will learn about what kinds of evidence are stored on the devices and how to do prepare for a forensics investigation.

Date of Workshop - September 16-17, 2008

Venue - Burlington Marriot, Burlington, Massachusetts.

There are innumerable crimes that take place around the world, and there are innumerable ways by which the criminals are nailed. But not every crime is completely investigated, not every criminal put behind the bars. Reasons for this can also be many.

To make sure that all the criminals are punished for their wrongdoings, New York police is following a very unique technique. Basically this technique was developed by Doug and Mary Lyall, to find their daughter who went missing 10 years ago.

So the concept is to make the prisoners play the cards in jail. The idea is simple: each of the 52 playing cards contains information about a murder, a missing person or another unsolved crime. Inmates know information law enforcement agents don’t, so they know what’s going on. Thus they can provide information by calling a hot line, wherein they are not required to provide their names. So far, this initiative has given positive results, as 8 criminals have been caught so far.

In India, people can also report crimes by calling a toll free number - 1800-209-6789. This service is provided by Agape Inc, one of India’s premier information security firms.

As i do it every Friday by posting some useful links which can help someone looking for solutions in the forensic space. So here are today’s links covering some articles and news related to password protection, data recovery and examining the digital evidences.

1. How to prevent Password cracking? Read More

2. Tips for examiners while analysing Digital evidences. Read More

3. Data recovery tips and regulations. Read More

Every company handles huge amount of data in the form of company details, project details, customer database, etc. But then this data can be lost due to Hardware/Software Problems, Human Error, Viruses or Natural Disasters. Apart from this, the companies, specially IT, also fear the release of their sensitive information outside. This is the reason why data protection is the number one concern of chief information security officers worldwide.

Thus the DLP (Data Loss Prevention) tools are being heralded as tactical tools to help businesses meet compliance needs and protect intellectual properties. many security companies have invested in DLP either through in-house development or by acquiring some reputed startups. McAfee payed around $46m to buy DLP firm Reconnex. Similar deals featured Symantec purchasing Vontu for $350m, Trend Micro picking up Provilla and EMC acquiring Tablus.

Analyst group IDC has predicted that Information Protection and Control (IPC) market would grow to around $3.2bn by year 2011. This would present a great opportunity for Information Security companies like Agape Inc to offer either their products/solutions or services and prevent your data loss.

I was researching on cyber security and i came up with an article wherein the the famous American journalist - Brian Krebs interviewed FBI’s cyber division head - James Finch. I found it helpful as it provides insight into how the FBI sees cyber crime and hence thought of sharing the same.

Here’s the link to the article:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2008/08/qa_with_fbis_cyber_crime_chief.html?hpid=sec-tech

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has appointed Mrs.Pradnya Sarvade as an officer on special duty to work with its investigation wing. Mrs.Sarvade was the head of cyber crime cell at Mumbai Police and has handled many cases pertaining to online frauds. She has the experience of working in CBI’s bank securities and fraud cell and has handled the investigation and trial of the 1992 securities scam cases.

Due to the rise in the cyber crimes, specially online frauds and phishing, the investors are reluctant for online transactions. In one of the recent case, SEBI failed to do justice to a group of investors who had alleged that a manager of India Infoline at Mangalore had committed a fraud and cheated them of RS 20 lakhs.

With an experienced investigator like Mrs.Sarvade, SEBI will be able to protect the interests of investors in securities in a better way.