US and Antigua to inaugurate regional cyber-forensics lab
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| Published on Thursday, September 24, 2009 |
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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- On September 25, Chargé d'Affaires Dr D Brent Hardt of the US Embassy to the Eastern Caribbean and Antigua-Barbuda's Minister of National Security Dr Errol Cort will officially open a state-of-the-art regional cyber-forensics laboratory.
The lab is a partnership between the government of Antigua and Barbuda, which provided the facilities, and the United States, which provided over US$500,000 to equip the lab and US$200,000 to train technical experts from throughout the region in cyber-forensic investigation capabilities.
This laboratory will have an immediate and lasting positive impact on the ability of law enforcement agencies throughout the Eastern Caribbean to detect, deter, and prosecute sophisticated crimes through the collection and analysis of information technology-related evidence. The United States has also committed to continue providing training and support for the lab and investigators. The launch of this cutting edge laboratory represents a vital component of President Obama's pledge to renew and strengthen America's security relationship with the Caribbean region.
In 2007, the Regional Security Office of the US Embassy initiated discussions with the Department of State's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program in response to requests from police forces in the Caribbean to provide Cyber Crime training. The request reflected the increasing incidence of cyber crimes and the growing importance of cyber evidence in criminal investigations.
In October 2008, DS-ATA offered an Executive Seminar on Digital Investigations and Security in St Kitts. During the Seminar, the DS-ATA Cyber team conducted an assessment of the region's technological infrastructure and capabilities. The enthusiastic response from the region led to a decision to fund a series training of courses for Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, St Kitts and Montserrat. During this time, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda offered to host the lab for the Regional Law Enforcement Agencies. The Government identified a facility to house the lab and immediately began renovations to house this facility.
The first course, Identification and Seizure of Digital Evidence, was offered in December 2008. This course instructed participants in the use of different types of Digital devices and how to seize these devices.
The second course, Introduction to Digital Forensic Investigations, was offered in February 2009 and this instructed participants on the different types of equipment and software used to conduct digital forensics that will be available in the new forensic lab.
The lab dedicated September 25 will greatly enhance the capability of police forces in the region to conduct Cyber Investigations. It will provide vital ongoing support to the police forces and build expertise in this new field of investigations | | | | Reads : 767 | | | |
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