Data Security

How Does the Data Security Feature Work

When used for the first time, the Data Security feature must be activated onboard the RTC360 laser scanner. It adds a cryptographic digital signature to scans immediately after they are captured and can be verified in the office software Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS. Once activated, the Data Security feature becomes the default for future jobs.

The Data Security feature allows users to activate on-device hashing of data that can be signed to authenticate to a specific device. REGISTER 360 PLUS provides built-in verification and reporting. Each scan signature can be independently verified by hashing the file with any SHA3-256 hash generator.
 
Leica Geosystems’ Data Security feature has two main components:
 1) Initiate an independent, unique hash (an alphanumeric string) of every scan or piece of data added to the job.
 2) Allow users to “sign” or “hash” the job with an authentic device signature (Public Private Key) upon completion. 

The user can add additional evidence (scan setups) to the job. However, it would require the user to re-sign the files.

The hashing is done with the SHA3-256 protocol, allowing for easy verification of the hash values with open-source apps for transparency.
To simplify the workflow, built-in verification is possible using Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

White Paper on Data Security: Hashing and digital fingerprint explained

Read in this brand new white paper about the Digital Signature function and how it authenticates and validates laser scanning data in Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

In forensic investigations, digital data plays a crucial role, often requiring the use of mathematical algorithms to create "hash values" that act as digital fingerprints for evidence. Recently, there's been a surge in the adoption of laser scanners in forensic examinations.

All terrestrial 3D laser scanners produce data in a digital format, making it possible to generate hash values to represent the collected 3D scanner data. Leica Geosystems has developed software that enables the application of hash functions to scan data through an onboard signing process.

This hash value becomes an integral part of the collected dataset, accessible using Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS software. The software validates the signature to ensure the integrity of the scanner-collected data, confirming that no alterations, damages, or changes occurred during the transfer process.

The process of signing data on a Leica RTC360 scanner and then importing it into the Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS environment underwent thorough testing and validation. Results showed successful authentication of the signed data collected by the laser scanner, with the uploaded data to the software platform remaining unaltered.

This validation process involved both negative and positive controls. Purposeful modifications to signed data were promptly detected by the processing software, triggering visual alerts and specific Audit Reports. This streamlined approach ensures the collection and authentication of forensically valid data without requiring user intervention or additional forensic hardware and software.