Example Codes of Ethics from Digital Forensics Labs & the Tech Industry

Dr. Frank Kardasz, MPA, Ed.D. July 17, 2024

Editor: Ava Gozo.  

Digital Forensics Labs

1. Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)

• Integrity and Objectivity: Certificants must demonstrate integrity, objectivity, competence, and confidentiality.
• Professional Conduct: Certificants must avoid unethical conduct, report violations, and refrain from issuing unauthorized public statements.
• Confidentiality and Competence: Confidential information must be protected, and engagements should only be accepted if they can be completed competently.

2. International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)

• Commitment and Diligence: Examiners must demonstrate commitment, abide by high moral standards, and comply with legal orders.
• Evidence Integrity: Examiners must thoroughly examine evidence and avoid withholding relevant information.
• Confidentiality and Objectivity: Examiners must not reveal confidential information or express opinions on guilt or innocence.

3. Forensics Insider - Ethics in Digital Forensics

• Objectivity and Confidentiality: Investigators must be impartial and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Integrity and Competence: Investigators must act with integrity, avoid tampering with evidence, and stay updated with technological advances.
• Legal Compliance and Respect: Investigators must comply with legal requirements and respect the privacy and rights of individuals.

Tech Industry

1. IEEE Computer Society - Code of Ethics for Software Engineers

• Public Interest: Software engineers must act consistently with the public interest, ensuring safety, privacy, and environmental protection.
• Responsibility and Accuracy: Engineers must take responsibility for their work, avoid false claims, and correct errors.
• Support for Colleagues: Engineers should encourage adherence to ethical standards and assist in professional development.

2. Arizona State University (ASU) - IT Employee Code of Ethics

• Protect Society and Infrastructure: IT employees must promote public trust and confidence in information systems.
• Act Honorably and Legally: Employees must act responsibly, truthfully inform stakeholders, and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Competent IT Service: Employees must respect the trust granted by users and seek necessary training to ensure competence.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/

Arizona State University. (n.d.). IT employee code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.asu.edu/it/ethics

Digital Forensics Certification Board. (n.d.). Code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.dfcb.org/ethics

IEEE Computer Society. (n.d.). Software engineering code of ethics and professional practice. Retrieved from https://www.computer.org/ethics

International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners. (n.d.). Code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.isfce.com/ethics