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Here’s a comprehensive list of hardware equipment needed to set up a digital forensics office for 2-3 forensic examiners:


1. Forensic Workstations (x3) – High-Performance Computers

Each examiner needs a powerful forensic workstation capable of handling large data sets, decryption, and forensic imaging.

  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i9 / AMD Ryzen 9 / Xeon (for heavy multitasking)

  • RAM: 64GB - 128GB (for handling large evidence files)

  • Storage:

    • 1TB NVMe SSD (Operating System & software)

    • 8TB HDD / NAS (Evidence storage)

  • Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA RTX 4080 / 4090 (for AI-based analysis & video processing)

  • Cooling System: High-efficiency cooling for long forensic processing sessions

2. Monitors & Displays

  • Primary Monitor (x3 per examiner): 32” 4K monitor (for sharp forensic analysis)

  • Secondary Monitor (x3 per examiner): 27” QHD monitor (for reports & multitasking)

3. Evidence Handling & Storage

  • Forensic Write Blockers (x3): Tableau T8U / CRU Ditto DX

  • High-Speed Docking Stations (x3): USB 3.2 / Thunderbolt 4 support for cloning & imaging

  • Secure Evidence Storage: RAID-6 NAS (Synology 8-bay or QNAP 10-bay)

  • Encryption Hardware: Yubikey 5 / Hardware Security Module (HSM) for encrypted evidence

4. Forensic Accessories & Imaging Tools

  • Portable Forensic Imaging Devices (x2): CRU Ditto DX / Logicube Falcon Neo

  • Write-Protected USB Drives (x6): Kanguru Defender / Apricorn Aegis

  • High-Speed External SSDs (x3): Samsung T7 / SanDisk Extreme Pro (2TB)

5. Network & Security

  • Secure Switch (x1): Managed 10GbE switch for fast forensic data transfer

  • Firewall (x1): Enterprise-grade (Cisco / Palo Alto)

  • Air-Gapped Network (x1): Isolated forensic lab network to prevent tampering

6. Ergonomics & Office Setup

  • Adjustable Desks (x3): Sit-stand workstations for examiners

  • Ergonomic Chairs (x3): Herman Miller Aeron / Steelcase Gesture

  • Large Collaboration Screen (x1): 55” 4K TV or interactive whiteboard

7. Backup & Power Protection

  • UPS (x3): APC Smart-UPS 1500VA (Prevents data loss during power outages)

  • Backup NAS (x1): 12TB RAID NAS (Separate backup for forensic casework)

Would you like me to add specific software recommendations or pricing estimates for these items?

You said:

can you also include a password cracking system

ChatGPT said:

Yes! A dedicated password cracking system is crucial for handling encrypted evidence, brute-force attacks, and hash decryption. Here’s what you’ll need for a high-performance password cracking system:

8. Password Cracking System (Dedicated Rig)

This setup is designed for running Hashcat, John the Ripper, Passware, ElcomSoft, and custom GPU-accelerated attacks.

Hardware Configuration:

  • Processor (CPU): AMD Threadripper PRO 7995WX (96 cores) or Intel Xeon Platinum (high-core count)

  • RAM: 256GB ECC DDR5 (Ensures stability during large hash processing)

  • Graphics Cards (GPUs):

    • NVIDIA RTX 4090 x4 (Best consumer GPUs for brute-force attacks)

    • Alternative: AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX x4 (for OpenCL workloads)

  • Storage:

    • 2TB NVMe SSD (OS & software)

    • 8TB NVMe SSD (Password hash tables & processing)

    • 10TB HDD RAID (Backup for wordlists & hashes)

  • Cooling: Custom liquid cooling (GPUs can generate a lot of heat)

  • Power Supply: 2000W PSU (Handles high GPU power draw)

9. Essential Software for Password Cracking

  • Hashcat (GPU-based hash cracking)

  • John the Ripper Jumbo (Multi-threaded password cracking)

  • Passware Kit Forensic (Commercial password recovery)

  • ElcomSoft Distributed Password Recovery (Enterprise-grade brute-force cracking)

  • Custom Wordlists & Rainbow Tables (RockYou, CrackStation, etc.)

10. Password Cracking Cluster (Optional Upgrade)

For handling large-scale investigations, you can build a distributed password cracking system:

  • Multiple password cracking rigs connected via a high-speed 10GbE switch

  • ElcomSoft / Hashcat Distributed Network to run attacks in parallel

  • Cloud GPU Instances (AWS/Google Cloud) for additional power


Get Your Complete Forensic Workstation Setup

At www.forensicworkstation.ca, we specialize in providing law enforcement agencies across Canada with high-performance forensic workstations and all necessary hardware. From processing units to secure storage solutions, we offer everything needed to build an efficient, secure, and fully functional forensic office.

Let us help you design a forensic lab that meets your needs. Contact us today to get started!



 
 
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