Course Topics & Program

Code of Conduct and Good Practice for Certified Digital Forensics Examiners

The basic issue, which may arise in connection with any ethical proceedings before a Certification Council, is whether a holder of a Certificate administered by that Council has acted in a manner which violates the Code of Ethics for certified computing professionals. Therefore, each individual that is awarded the title Certified Digital Forensics Examiner shall agree to abide by the following Professional Code of Ethics, which defines more specifically an individual's professional responsibility for professional and ethical conduct in the computing profession.

You agree to abide by the following Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct, numbers 1 through 19:

  1. I will observe and honor any other code of ethics or conduct for the organizations I am a member of or employed by.
  2. I will respect the confidential nature of any information, methodologies, or techniques that I become aware of in relation to computer forensics/forensic computing.
  3. I will strive to keep my technical skills current.
  4. I will be honest and forthright in my dealings with others.
  5. I will not reveal facts, data or information without the prior consent of my client or employer except as authorized or required by law.
  6. I will not accept compensation for my services based on contingency.
  7. I will not permit the use of my name by, or associate in business ventures with, any person or firm that I believe to be engaged in fraudulent or dishonest practices.
  8. I will perform services only in areas I am competent in. I will rely upon other qualified parties for assistance in matters that are beyond my area of expertise.
  9. I will maintain custody and control over whatever materials are entrusted to my care.
  10. I will refuse or terminate involvement in any work when I feel that I am being coerced into a particular opinion.
  11. I will disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence my judgment or the quality of my services.
  12. I will not falsify my qualifications or permit misrepresentation of my associates' qualifications, nor will I misrepresent or exaggerate my responsibilities in or for the subject matter of prior assignments, employment, or past accomplishments.
  13. I will always acknowledge my errors and will not distort or alter the facts.
  14. I am to be committed to the integrity of my profession, and will avoid situations in business or personal life where I might contribute to the wrongdoing of others or find myself viewed as a contributor to wrongdoing.
  15. I will conduct my work based upon established, validated principles.
  16. I will only render opinions that are demonstratively reasonable.
  17. I will do my best to thoroughly examine and analyze all evidence, and will not withhold any of my findings, whether inculpatory or exculpatory.
  18. I will provide assistance to those involved in my profession, as long as my assistance does not conflict with any other provision of this Code of Ethics and Conduct.
  19. I will conform to all laws - federal/national, state, and local - pertinent to my profession. If I am unsure of the laws in a given situation, I will seek the assistance of legal counsel.