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Forensics Blog

Investigate it: Forensics at BCIT

Cybersecurity project receives international attention

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Cybersecurity break-ins are a worldwide problem. With over 40 billion hacks each year through the World Wide Web, the numbers are mind-boggling. The costs are similarly high: governments and businesses can expect to lose roughly $400 billion annually in damages and property loss due to such attacks. As the number of devices grows with an ever-more-connected Internet of Things (IoT), the potential for damage is escalating. Yet the best tools of the era – firewalls, encryption keys, and “honeypots” (dummy servers to trap hackers) – frequently fail.

Kenneth Wong, recent Bachelor of Technology Forensics Investigation grad, in BCIT’s Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option, recently presented his graduating project at two international conferences.

See the full article by Cynthia Van Ginkel from BCIT News.

Surrey Mayor’s Action Plan on Gang Violence Prevention

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As part of to the Mayor’s Action Plan on Gang Violence Prevention, the announcement of the Mayor’s Award for Fostering Civic Responsibility has been announced.  http://www.surrey.ca/city-government/26198.aspx . The award ($10,000) will be awarded to an agency, school or program that is making a significant and positive impact to the community and our youth, up to and including 19 years of age.

“The Mayor’s Annual Award for Fostering Civic Responsibility recognizes those that play an integral role in creating a City built on the values of respect, cooperation and citizenship,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “By recognizing and supporting those who have positively engaged our youth, we are ensuring that community and civic responsibility are core values to be encouraged and celebrated in Surrey.”

Nominations are being accepted until April 20, 2018. The winning program or group will receive a $10,000 monetary award for the initiative or program in order to support program development and/or sustainability. The Mayor’s Award is part of the City of Surrey’s Public Safety Strategy and nomination forms, award information and eligibility can be found here:  http://www.surrey.ca/files/NominationFormMayor%27sAwardForFosteringCivicResponsibility2018.pdf

Updates from BCIT Forensics: 2017 Highlights

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New edition of THE INVESTIGATOR is now available!

From financial crimes and cybersecurity to helicopter crashes and insect evidence, 2017 was an exciting year for BCIT Forensics.

Highlights include the launch of a new Graduate Certificate program in the Forensic Investigation of Fraud & Financial Crime, a newly designed Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity program, and another successful field school with California State University.

Check out the full newsletter and subscribe to learn more about Forensic Science & Technology at BCIT.

 

Cybersecurity Analyst

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Reference number: 42304-CSE(OC)2017

Closing Date: 2018-03-31

Job Summary

Cybersecurity analysts study network traffic data from intelligence databases and ancillary sources in support of national security goals, concerns and strategies. They use their understanding of Internet architecture and protocols, malware, packet structure and network vulnerabilities to profile network activity, detect patterns and trends in intrusion techniques and practices, and identify the sources of network intrusions. They prepare descriptive and predictive analyses and communicate the results, meaning and significance in the form of oral or written reports. They may participate in the evaluation of tools and creation of customized methodologies and applications.

Position Type

Permanent positions, with a one (1) year probation period.

Salary Range

UNI 07 from $73,850 to $86,881 per year.

These positions may be eligible for market allowance for $7,960.80 per year

The salary and market allowance are under review.

Position Requirements

Applicants should have all of the following:

  • a background in technology (such as a university degree in computer science or computer engineering, or equivalent experience);
  • an in-depth understanding of cybersecurity issues and fundamental Internet architecture and protocols;
  • network security skills such as packet, vulnerability, or exploit analysis;
  • research and report-writing skills; and
  • a demonstrated interest in international affairs (e.g., international relations, strategic studies, international development).

Language Requirements

English Essential

Who Can Apply

Canadian citizens who can qualify for a Top Secret security clearance conforming to CSE’s standards.

Security Requirements

Candidates must have no criminal record.

The screening process involves a security interview, a polygraph test, a psychological assessment, and a background investigation covering a minimum of your last 10 years history, including credit and financial verifications.

Ongoing substance abuse is a factor to be assessed as part of your screening process.

How To Apply

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the selection process.

For more information and link to apply, see the full job posting here.

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International Women’s Day

#PRESSforPROGRESS

To inspire and embolden people in the fields of public safety and social justice to bring the female perspective into their work in meaningful and innovative ways.

This event will provide a forum for the JIBC community to continue the dialogue around women in public safety and social justice from strategies to support gender parity to celebrating accomplished women in the field. The lineup for the day will include:

  • Welcome and live polls
  • Fast-paced mini-presentations
  • Panel Discussion with accomplished women in public safety and social justice
  • Presentation and Discussion: BC Senator Mobina Jaffer, who served as Canada’s Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan and chaired the Canadian Committee on Women, Peace and Security
  • Closing and “take action”

Date:  Thursday, March 8, 2018

Breakfast and registration starting at 8am

Forum from 8:30am to 12:30 pm

Location:  Justice Institute of British Columbia – 715 McBride, New Westminster (Theatre and Atrium)

Open to JIBC students, faculty, staff, clients and the broader community.

Cost is $35/person.

For more info and to register visit:  http://www.jibc.ca/events/pressforprogress-jibc-international-womens-day

Register before Feburary 19th to secure your seat!

Email:   IWD@jibc.ca

https://commons.bcit.ca/forensics/2018/02/15/2827/

North Van cyber sleuth digs up digital fingerprints

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BCIT’s Forensic Science and Technology Program Head, David McKay, was featured in the North Shore News about his work in digital forensics.

Photo from North Shore News (McKay examines video footage from his office in North Vancouver – photo Mike Wakefield)

McKay, a North Vancouver resident, first honed his skills as a forensic video analyst with several Lower Mainland RCMP detachments, including North Vancouver. More recently, he’s taught techniques in analyzing digital clues as head of forensic science and technology at BCIT, as well as examining evidence as a private consultant through his North Vancouver company Blackstone Forensics.

McKay doesn’t start by looking for anything specific in the videos. His job is to make sure the best information is available to those who will reach conclusions about it. “Most people can look at video and make their own determination about what they’re seeing,” he says.

Working with original videos, photos or recordings is key to digital forensic analysis.

“You don’t want to rely on what someone’s posted on Facebook or Twitter,” says McKay, “Because we don’t know the processing that’s happened to it before it was posted…”

“It can be easy to alter and manipulate some of this information,” says McKay – as anyone who’s used an Instagram filter is aware. “You really have to be careful what you believe when you see things on the internet.”

See the full article from North Shore News.

Digital Extraction Technician Position with Surrey RCMP

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Surrey RCMP has created a brand new position, Digital Extraction Technician.

Scope

The position is responsible for extracting a variety of data from computer hard drives, phones, tablets and other data storage devices. The

incumbent also provides follow up and recommendations in regards to investigations and evidence, and provides related support. Work is

completed under limited supervision and considerable independence of judgment and action is exercised within specified guidelines.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for:

  • Handling a variety of digital media related to criminal cases; investigations and evidence.
  • Extracting data including but not limited to documents, photos, SMS conversations, messenger information and emails.
  • Updating and maintaining a variety of forensic equipment, tools and software.
  • Providing recommendations and suggestions for follow up related to investigations and evidence.
  • Providing court testimony as required.
  • Preparing observation reports and documents related to the work.
  • Performing other job related duties as required.

 Qualifications

As the successful applicant, you possess the following qualifications:

  • Diploma in a computer technology or related program from a recognized post‐secondary institution.
  • Minimum of two years related experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

 Condition of Employment

Successful candidate must have, and maintain, RCMP ‘Secret’ security clearance.

To apply online, go to surreycareers.ca.

Intelligence Analyst

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Ecosystems and Fisheries Management – Conservation and Protection
Vancouver (British Columbia), Winnipeg (Manitoba), Moncton (New Brunswick), Burlington (Ontario), Québec (Québec)
AS-04
$67,241 to $72,660

Closing date: 26 January 2018 – 23:59, Pacific Time

Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad.

Apply online

Important messages

*** NOTE: It is not required to submit a cover letter for this selection process. However, applicants MUST complete the screening questions that will be generated by the system automatically once the candidate applies. Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their responses to the screening questions how they meet the Essential Qualifications (education AND experiences) as well as the Asset Qualifications (if applicable). Supporting details are required for each qualification, explaining, for example, the extent of the experience and relevant dates. The answers provided to the screening questions will be the main source of information and the curriculum vitae will only be referred to as a secondary source of information. Failure to provide complete answers may result in job applications being screened from further consideration in this process.

Duties

Within the National Fisheries Intelligence Service (NFIS), the Intelligence Analyst reports to the Intelligence Supervisor, and is responsible for conducting complex analysis of information obtained from multiple sources (e.g. human, signal, electronic and open source) which includes producing and disseminating tactical, operational and strategic intelligence assessments. Within these assessments, the Intelligence Analyst identifies information gaps, identifies trends/patterns, proposes hypotheses, tests assumptions, and makes reasoned recommendations/conclusions regarding serious threats/risk to the fisheries resource, maritime security, or National sovereignty. They maintain knowledge of the current intelligence products, control strategy and intelligence requirements. The Intelligence Analyst analyzes information/intelligence on subject and problem profiles as authorised by the Tasking and Co-ordination Groups (Tactical & Strategic). (T&CG)

During the T&CG meetings, the Intelligence Analyst answers questions, clarifies issues, and defends findings about the analytical content and methodologies used in producing intelligence products. The Intelligence Analyst makes recommendations and can influence the decision-makers within the group, who will determine priorities and information gaps for further collection and analysis. The Intelligence Analyst complies with policies and procedures in relation to collection, recording, evaluation, sharing, review, retention and disposal of information

The Intelligence Analyst ensures the appropriate use and maintenance of technical equipment required to support their work. Equipment, both technical and non-technical, must be used in compliance with legislation, health and safety regulations, and the NFIS Data Management Policy.

Work environment

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) leads the management of Canada’s fisheries and the safeguarding of Canadian waters. We enforce laws and regulations aimed to protect our Fisheries and Oceans. We participate in public education and awareness programs to develop a greater awareness of the fishery resources and habitat protection, and you will find us on our three oceans, rivers and streams patrolling and monitoring the public’s activities. If you are passionate about the outdoors, and care about the environment, then this opportunity might be for you!

With over 10,000 dedicated employees in all sectors and in over 400 locations across Canada, our Department is often the only federal presence in smaller coastal and remote communities. In January 2017, the Department received special recognition as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

The Government of Canada has announced the Oceans Protection Plan, a whole-of-government approach to improve marine safety, to work with Indigenous groups, provinces, territories, and other stakeholders to better co-manage Canada’s oceans while advancing the Government’s broader objectives of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protection of the environment, protection of our coasts and waterways, and economic growth for the middle class.

DFO are recruiting to deliver on this significant commitment. A team of dedicated, dynamic and talented professionals, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in making an impact on the lives of Canadians.

Do you believe in the gold standard of service? Do you thrive on change and exciting new projects? If that is who you want to be, then DFO is the place for you!

Women, Aboriginal people and visible minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

For more information on careers at DFO: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/career-carriere-eng.htm

Intent of the process

The first intent of this advertised process is to establish a pool of partially-qualified candidates to staff positions in Vancouver (British Columbia), Winnipeg (Manitoba), Moncton (New Brunswick), Burlington (Ontario), Québec (Québec). This pool may also be used to staff identical or similar positions in Halifax (Nova Scotia), Victoria (British Columbia), Ottawa (Ontario) or across Canada for various tenures, various language requirements and various security requirements which may vary according to the position being staffed.

Positions to be filled: 6

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION

ED1: Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

EXP1: Significant* experience using computer software such as Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcGIS, Mapinfo, SPSS, i2, Analyst’s Notebook, iBase, Paradox, Palantir, Google Earth Pro, MindMapper, FalconView or an equivalent type of software in an analytic capacity.
EXP2: Experience conducting research and delivering analytical products in a workplace environment.
EXP3: Experience developing and maintaining working relationships with internal and external clients.

* Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task, which are normally acquired over a period of approximately (2) years.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

EDUCATION

AED1: Successful completion of a course related to intelligence analysis.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

AEXP1: Experience performing duties in a dedicated intelligence analyst role.
AEXP2: Experience inspecting Fishing Industry Records (e.g. Logbooks, DMP forms, Purchase Slips or related documents).

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements
English essential
French essential
Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE

K1: Knowledge of intelligence led enforcement, including the intelligence cycle.
K2: Knowledge of emerging issues, risks and/or threats of the fisheries resources.
K3: Knowledge of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Role and Strategic Outcomes.

COMPETENCIES

C1: Strategic Thinking
C2: Communication
C3: Result oriented
C4: Collaborative work
C5: Values and Ethics

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

KNOWLEDGE

AK1: Knowledge of fish species, fishing gear, or fish products.

ABILITY

AAB1: Ability to manipulate data and extract information using Excel in an advanced manner.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Other information

A written exam may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials. Candidates invited to an interview will be required to bring proof of their education credentials, in the form of a diploma or official transcript (original documents only).

Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

A top down selection method may be used at any point in the assessment process.

Random selection may be used to identify which applicants will be assessed in this appointment process.

Volume management tool may be used.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your email and contact information are maintained with the hiring board AND in your Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) account. As all of the communication for this process will be conducted via the email address provided in your application AND via your PSRS account, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check for messages regularly and to ensure that your email address accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email or filter them to a junk mail folder). Failure to respond to key messages may result in your being eliminated from this process.

Candidates must meet the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position.

Candidates may be required to meet the asset qualifications depending on the requirements of the specific position being staffed.

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

Staffing DFO
HR-PASS-RH.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Apply online

Student Seminar: Explore Public Policy Issues

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Saturday, January 27, 2018 | Vancouver
Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Speakers and Topics include:

The Internet of Threats: The Role of Policymakers in Addressing Cybersecurity in the IoT
Anne Hobson
Associate Fellow of Technology Policy, R Street Institute

The scale and scope of connected devices that make up the “internet of things” present a unique cybersecurity challenge, as one device’s vulnerability can be a problem for the entire network. With incidents of ransomware, data breaches, and distributed denial-of-service attacks on the rise, cyberspace is now an active war zone. What role can policymakers and other stakeholders play in addressing the consequences of device insecurity in the internet of things?

But Why?
Laura Jones
Executive Vice-President and Chief Strategic Officer, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Excessive rulemaking is costly, makes us less safe, and quashes the entrepreneurial spirit. But why aren’t we doing more about it? Learn more about the hidden costs and consequences of red tape and how to challenge it.

Soaking the Rich – A Simple but Counterproductive “Solution” to Inequality
Charles Lammam
Director, Fiscal Studies, Fraser Institute

You hear it on campuses and from governments: fight inequality by raising taxes on the so-called “rich.” But are upper earners in Canada really getting away without paying their fair share of taxes? What are the negative consequences of raising taxes on the rich? In the end, taxing the rich may seem like a simple solution to inequality, but it very well could do more harm than good. 

REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact Rachel Osterman at 604-688-0221 ext. 554 or email rachel.osterman@fraserinstitute.org

Fortinet on-site interviews at BCIT

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ATTENTION New Graduates or Soon-to-be Graduates!
(September 2017 – March 2018)
Fortinet Technologies will be hosting a day of on-campus interviews with students qualified for their new graduate opportunities.  This is a great opportunity to meet one of BC’s largest employers as well as gain valuable interview experience.  Each on-campus interview will be 10-15 minutes in duration – specifically designed to highlight your key skills to Fortinet’s R&D managers.

Who is Fortinet Technologies?
Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) protects the most valuable assets of some of the largest enterprise, service provider and government organizations across the globe. The company’s fast, secure and global cyber security solutions provide broad, high-performance protection against dynamic security threats while simplifying the IT infrastructure. They are strengthened by the industry’s highest level of threat research, intelligence and analytics. Unlike pure-play network security providers, Fortinet can solve organizations’ most important security challenges, whether in networked, application or mobile environments – be it virtualized/cloud or physical. More than 210,000 customers worldwide, including some of the largest and most complex organizations, trust Fortinet to protect their brands.
Globally, Fortinet employs over 5,000 people and we are still growing our staff in the Burnaby office.
Learn more at http://www.fortinet.com

How and Why?
o Fortinet Technologies employees 70+ new graduates every year in various R&D teams (Anti-Virus Analysts, Web Development, Embedded Development, Mobile App Development, Technical Support, IT, and more)
o Fortinet Technologies is searching for bright recent alumni or soon-to-be graduates who are qualified and interested in the cyber security field
o New grad roles are full-time, permanent and come with a great total package (salary, benefits, stock, paid time off)

How to Participate?
1) Prepare a resume detailing your personal work experience and educational experience to date. You may put your expected graduation date as well.
2) Obtain a copy of your transcripts (unofficial will work if you have not graduated)
3) Email your resume + transcripts to fernandesm@fortinet.com referencing ‘BCIT On-Campus Interviews’
4) Provide details about your availability to interview and time preferences
5) Failure to follow the above steps will disqualify you from consideration this round