The current state of digital forensic practitioners in South Africa

Abstract

Recent high profile court trials around the world, including South Africa, have highlighted the importance of forensic science evidence in court. They have also show what can happen when forensic science is handled poorly in court leading to incorrect convictions or acquittals. Most often the problems have been linked to the qualifications, training, competency and experience of the forensic practitioners who examined and analysed the evidence. With digital forensics being recognised as a forensics science and criminal trials such as Casey Anthony and Julia Amero dominated by errors in the digital forensics process attributed to the examiners, it is crucial to understand what the current situation is in South Africa with regards local digital forensic practitioners, so as to identify any strengths or shortcomings which could impact on digital evidence in a court of law. The research focused on understanding the academic qualifications, digital forensics training, competency, and experience of South African digital forensic practitioners. General trends were identified through the research showing that South African digital forensic practitioners often lacked the necessary academic qualifications, training, competency and experience required of a digital forensics practitioner, raising concerns about the quality of digital forensics practice in South Africa. When contrasted against international standards, the research identified areas of improvement, and suggested potential remedial actions to address the situation.