Roy Maxion – Abstract

TITLE: Reliability of Forensic Software and Processes

 

ABSTRACT: Source-camera identification software is used to match a digital photo (e.g., jpg file) with the camera that took it. The accuracy of such matches, which isn’t perfect, depends on features of the photo, on features of the camera, and on aspects of the methodology undertaken in the match process.  Errors in matching can have catastrophic consequences, as when a dubious match is presented as evidence in court, possibly sending someone to prison for the rest of their life.  This talk indentifies factors that may be contributing enough unreliability to forensic algorithms and processes that using these technologies in mission-critical circumstances would be a risk too far.