ComputerForensicsDigest.com

Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Perth and Western Australia law enforcement have developed a 'breathalyzer' for laptops, a self-contained software package that can scan a hard drive for contraband without altering the disk's data.

The goal is to make it easier for 'front line' officers with little computer training to conduct a forensically-sound scan of computers for child pornography. Roll-out is planned for the spring of 2009.

The software, currently in beta testing, is known as Simple Image Preview Live Enivironment (SImPLE). It is based on a cut-down version of the Linux kernal, and runs off a bootable CD.

Once activated, SImPLE creates a forensically-clean environment, and scans the target drive(s) for possible contraband. If possible contraband images are found, they can be burned to a DVD using a USB-DVD writer.Throughout the process, no data on the target drive(s) is altered, which preserves its evidentiary value.

The team developing SImPLE is considering adapting the software to conduct targeted searches for fraudulent financial information, stolen trade secrets, or signs of terrorist activity.

Warrantless border searches of laptop computers have been upheld by at least one federal appeals court. The SImPLE software raises the possibility that random scans of travelers' laptops could become commonplace.