Hansken Newsletter March 2023

Together with the police and the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service, the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) has developed a method that enables lawyers to view crypto communications from their own offices, like for example the Encrochat data. This is accomplished by using Hansken, a digital forensic search engine. Martijn Egberts, the national public prosecutor for digital detection, states: “This new approach is a world first. It enables lawyers to use a professional search engine to view digital evidence from their own workplace.” The initial response from the legal profession is very positive.

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In February, we introduced a new tactical user interface in Hansken. By replacing the current interface, we create more possibilities for implementing new functionality and offer our users an up-to-date user experience. With this introduction, we started a period of testing by comparing cases that are accessible in both the current and new interface. In this first phase, we use the insights and experiences to improve the interface and bring it more in line with user requirements.

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The new Hansken tactical user interface has undergone considerable development. It has become an interface that will make the investigative process more accessible to the tactical investigator. Do you want to know how this works? Then take this 2-minute tour through Hansken to see what it's like to investigate a case using digital traces!

Watch the animation here

Hansken is working hard to grow its network in a meaningful way. The Hansken Community is expanding on both the law enforcement and scientific fronts, increasing its development power. The Netherlands Public Prosecution Service recognizes Hansken's value in the criminal justice system, which is why the relationship has been extended. And the Hansken Community is also growing internationally. 

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Our partners are constantly being confronted with new requirements in terms of data formats, information requests and algorithms to apply. It is essential to be able to implement new functionality within short lead times, as investigations are continuously evolving. The Hansken software development kit (SDK) is a powerful tool for developing extraction plugins that can handle new digital formats as well as detect and analyze new types of traces. And it also serves as a good starting point for new Hansken partners, to get to know the platform.

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Ennetcom, Encrochat, Sky ECC and Exclu: these are just four examples of encrypted communication services used by criminals. These days, every type of crime has a digital component. So, it’s no surprise that there is an increasing need of digital forensic investigators. In February, the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) and the University of Applied Sciences Leiden (UAS Leiden) signed an agreement that will intensify cooperation on forensic training and reinforce professional practice in the world of forensic investigation. A milestone in the development of digital forensic knowledge.

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Where to find more information about Hansken in the public arena:

• Forensic Focus – ‘ChatGPT: a digital sleuth for detectives?’ – by Hans Henseler, senior digital forensic scientist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute and lector Digital Forensics & E-Discovery at the University of Applied Sciences Leiden.
• Het Parool - 'Lawyers can now also view messages in serious crime cases from their own workplace' – interview by Paul Vugts (Het Parool) with Harm van Beek about the new facility in Hansken that allows lawyers to view digital traces in crime investigations from their own workplace (in Dutch and behind a paywall).
• Mr Online - 'New: lawyers can view digital crypto communication from their own law firm' – article about the new view-facility in Hansken (in Dutch).

Events organized by or attended by Hansken:

• February – Introduction new tactical Hansken user interface
• March – DFRWS Bonn
• April – 1^st Hansken Quarterly (Hansken Community members only)
• June – ENFSI (Forensic IT Working group) Lausanne
• June - 2^nd Hansken Quarterly (Hansken Community members only)