Site Contents: © Peter Sommer, 2012. Not to be reproduced without permission
PO Box 6447 London N4 4RX UK
I am a Visiting Reader, Faculty of Mathematics, Computing and Technology, Open University. Between 1994 and 2011 I was at the the London School of Economics and Political Science ending up as a Visiting Professor.
At the Open University I am course consultant on Computer forensics and investigations. M889 This is an introduction to forensic computing aimed at people employed in corporate security, computer security or support, or as a first step to a career in computer forensics. Like everything at the Open University it is delivered by distance learning. The course provides a good conceptual overview of the issues, including the law and procedure and also contains a number of hands-on exercises to assist in the development of problem-solving and good practice. It is a MSc module rather than a full degree; but unlike commercial training courses it is more than just “hints and tips” and instruction in using one particular computer forensics analysis package. “Course consultant” means I research, develop and write the course materials and work with OU staff and tutors to see that course delivery goes smoothly.
At the LSE I helped develop and teach the Information Risk and Security and Aspects of Information Risk and Security courses along with my colleague James Backhouse. The courses concentrate on information/computer / cyber security as problems within the social sciences - human behaviour factors, how individuals work with others, how organisations operate, public policy issues. This is in sharp contrast to the “technical problem/technical solution” paradigm. Of course the real skill is to see how technical environments and facilities can be made to interact with the human factors.
My particular research interest is in the reliability of digital evidence. Evidence is important to prove that transactions and events have taken place, and to verify the authenticity of documents and identities. The research covers both the practical and theoretical issues. It also provides me with much of my income
Largely through the LSE I participate in a variety of collaborative research projects, details of some of which you will find on this website.
I am also involved in some public policy work.
My commercial website, for my expert witness and consultancy services, is here
At the Open University I am course consultant on Computer forensics and investigations. M889 This is an introduction to forensic computing aimed at people employed in corporate security, computer security or support, or as a first step to a career in computer forensics. Like everything at the Open University it is delivered by distance learning. The course provides a good conceptual overview of the issues, including the law and procedure and also contains a number of hands-
At the LSE I helped develop and teach the Information Risk and Security and Aspects of Information Risk and Security courses along with my colleague James Backhouse. The courses concentrate on information/computer / cyber security as problems within the social sciences -
My particular research interest is in the reliability of digital evidence. Evidence is important to prove that transactions and events have taken place, and to verify the authenticity of documents and identities. The research covers both the practical and theoretical issues. It also provides me with much of my income
Largely through the LSE I participate in a variety of collaborative research projects, details of some of which you will find on this website.
I am also involved in some public policy work.
My commercial website, for my expert witness and consultancy services, is here
