Application
This unit covers the competency to analyse electronic forensic data that has been acquired through a range of electronic forensic methodologies. It includes analysing electronic storage devices for artefacts that may become evidence. In the context of this unit, physical evidence includes both digital and analogue recording, and communications equipment including hard drives, recording media, flash drives, tape drives, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), basic input/output system (BIOS) and other peripherals. In addition, artefacts are any kind of tangible electronic byproducts that are produced during user or system activity.
This unit applies to those working in the gathering and analysis of electronic information.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to WHS and the conducting of electronic data search and analysis.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently, with minimal supervision, while performing complex tasks, including making complex judgements. They would use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Reduce and describe data | 1.1 Identify electronic forensic data to be analysed. 1.2 Reduce the data, identify possible artefacts and describe these in a suitable form to support the development of interpretations. 1.3 Decrypt data if appropriate. 1.4 Review the reduction and description processes to determine their appropriateness, and make improvements where necessary. 1.5 Save data not used in the reduction and description processes for future reference. |
2. Analyse and interpret data | 2.1 Interpret the data using appropriate thinking processes based on deduction, induction and/or problem solving techniques. 2.2 Analyse electronic storage devices for artefacts, i.e. any kind of tangible electronic byproduct produced during user or system activity that may become evidence. 2.3 Apply sound reasoning to ensure consistency of interpretations based on the data. 2.4 Base interpretations on the factual quantitative and qualitative data. 2.5 Develop a reconstruction of events using analysis techniques. |
3. Develop conclusions and recommendations | 3.1 Test and review possible interpretations to ensure they are credible and consistent with relevant data. 3.2 Refine and consolidate interpretations to strengthen inferences drawn. 3.3 Clearly state assumptions in the arguments leading to inferences. 3.4 Formulate sound inferences, probable predictions, interpretations and/or explanations from facts and the tested interpretations. 3.5 Ensure transparency in the investigation process by formulating inferences through a clear chain of reasoning. 3.6 Review inferences to identify and address any fallacies in reasoning. 3.7 Assess the relationship between the data developed and the probable interpretations to ensure validity and compliance, and report orally and/or in writing, formally or informally. 3.8 Develop and report conclusions and recommendations, addressing both strategic and tactical issues. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
conducting an electronic data search
communicating (listening, questioning, presenting) and negotiating
using and interpreting the outcomes from different types of electronic forensic tools
reducing and describing data
applying thinking processes including at least two of:
inductive (interpreting raw information, identifying and testing trends or patterns)
deductive (beginning with a hypothesis and testing it), lateral, critical or creative
problem solving techniques and decision making
preparing analysis reports
constructing sound inductive arguments
evaluating data
using computer and information systems
conducting analysis including:
quantitative and/or qualitative
explorative
descriptive
causative
predictive
development of hypotheses
timeline development
link analysis
comparative
biographical
demographic or geographic
historical
scenario generation
Delphi technique
morphological maximising the potential evidentiary value of the electronic evidence
operating safely
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
computer and storage device theory, characteristics and operating mechanisms
government and policy environments within which analysis will be conducted various types of electronic forensic tools and their capabilities and limitations
applicable laws, policy and procedures
available resources required to support the intelligence analysis process
security issues and classifications
the range of analytical techniques appropriate for data analysis evaluation systems
thinking and inductive/deductive reasoning processes
the influence of human factors on data analysis
evidentiary requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Electronic Forensics