Risk sensitive digital evidence collection

This paper posits that the current methodology which focuses on collecting entire bit-stream images of original evidence disk is increasing legal and financial risks.1 The first section frames the debate and change drivers for a Risk Sensitive approach to digital evidence collection, which is followed by the current methods of evidence collection along with a cost-benefit analysis. Then the methodology components of the Risk Sensitive approach to collection, and then concludes with a legal and resource risk assessment of this approach. Anticipated legal arguments are explored and countered, as well. The authors suggest an evolved evidence collection methodology which is more responsive to voluminous data cases while balancing the legal requirements for reliability, completeness, accuracy, and verifiability of evidence.