Focal Forensics Securely Collaborates Using AWS Wickr While Delivering Redaction Services

Law enforcement agencies often receive public records requests through the Freedom of Information Act to release video evidence that contains personally identifiable information. Focal Forensics works with departments across the United States to redact audio and video footage before it’s made public. “We handle all the redaction to make sure personally identifiable information is removed so that a police department can release the footage,” says Steve Bufalino, cofounder of Focal Forensics.

Security is paramount, but previous solutions didn’t meet the company’s standards for secure messaging. It started looking for better options, and with encryption and ephemeral messaging features that include burn-on-read and expiration timers, AWS Wickr became the top choice. “AWS Wickr fit the bill in terms of our ability to automate the disposition of content and gain more control over sensitive communications,” says Zac Giammarrusco, cofounder of Focal Forensics.

Focal Forensics uses AWS Wickr for all its internal communications to achieve security and compliance with ease. “Every police department wants to know if the third-party redaction service provider is compliant with standards for criminal justice information services,” says Bufalino. “AWS Wickr is end-to-end encrypted, and that’s very important to facilitate secure communications.”

As a growing business, Focal Forensics is using AWS Wickr to accelerate compliance. The startup can focus on specific state regulations instead of worrying about its communications. “We help police departments be transparent,” says Bufalino. “Streamlining our communication and building software that facilitates transparency is a win-win for everybody.”

Focal Forensics builds further trust because companies can review and audit the source code used to implement the AWS Wickr cryptographic protocol. “I like that you can audit the AWS Wickr code and review what it’s doing. Open and transparent is how we also like to deal with our company and services,” says Giammarrusco.

By using AWS Wickr, Focal Forensics has empowered its staff to securely collaborate and share the sensitive information that is central to its success. The company is providing police departments with greater transparency into compliance around criminal justice information services and communication security protocols, helping drive its growth.

Focal Forensics is currently using the primary messaging and file-sharing features of AWS Wickr, but it plans to explore using additional features such as guest access and data retention. “We’re confident in AWS Wickr,” says Bufalino. “Being able to communicate securely and rely on it is perfect.”