COMPUTER FORENSICS

Computer Science in Support of Law.

There are four phases of computer forensics
Identification, Collection/Preservation, Analysis, and Reporting.

What is Computer Forensics ?
Computer Forensics is the science in support of law and is most often used in civil and criminal litigation. It is a methodology that is developed by professionals in computer forensics and must be successfully implemented to be of use in a court of law.

A forensics professional recognizes that the primary concern with the forensic procedure is to secure the collection of computer data. In this way the integrity of the evidence is not compromised and assures that the evidence collected will be “useable” as evidence.

The next step is to examine the mirror image of the target computer and the data found to determine the details and the origin and content. This analysis is necessary in the process as a re-creation tool of the evidence and the chain of events leading to the dispute. Global Data Finder takes the time necessary to work intensely to secure the legal evidence. Time is usually of the essence but in forensics the priority is absolute accuracy.

Once the targeted information is secured, reviewed and analyzed it must be documented and presented in such a form as to conform with established court rules of evidence and discovery in litigation proceedings.

When is Computer Forensics Necessary ?
Within the last few years, awareness has grown within the legal community that there is a need for professional computer forensic services. This is most evident in the upcoming changes, on December 1, 2006, to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, wherein the Federal Rules will now, more directly, address electronic discovery.

In Computer Forensics, it is not enough to just know where to look for the information, it is imperative to know what to look for and what to do with it when found and how to sort and arrange the information into an understandable and legal based format.

Global Data Finder’s professionals provide this service on a regular basis and have the needed expertise to guarantee results. Many law firms, attorneys, law enforcement and others, have used our services over the years and have always been completely satisfied.

Why Global Data Finder ?
Global Data Finder is a leader in the Computer Forensics, Data Recovery and Electronic Digital Discovery technology arena with over 25 years of experience. Its litigation and technical professional support staff have extensive training and have been actively employed by numerous law firms during her 15 years in litigation. Coupled with the intensive training and knowledge of Computer Forensics and the requirements for evidence admissibility, you can be assured that your request will be handled properly and that the reporting of the evidence will conform to any court’s Rules of Civil Procedure.

Expert witness testimony is critical in any case to outline the forensic procedures followed, the chain of custody recorded and the preparing of the testimonial evidence. Global Data Finder has expert witness experience and can provide it in the event it may be needed.

Case Examples
Consider the case wherein a disgruntled employee, who still has access to their computer, deletes and/or copies sensitive information. How do you know whether that person did those things ? The process used in Computer Forensics by the professionals at Global Data Finder provided that information.

Another example would be a civil litigation case wherein digital evidence had been requested and the courts had ordered that a neutral party perform the required evidence search. Global Data Finder was that neutral party and once the required search parameters were established by the court and attorneys involved, the work began and ended with a satisfactory result that was reported in detail in the form required by the court.

Then there is the case of the spouse who suspected a possible indiscretion by their partner. After examining the computer hard drive pursuant to the request of the suspicious spouse, there was discovered the deleted e-mails to and from the husband to the suspected “other woman”. The details of the deleted emails were presented to the suspecting spouse in a format that was easy to read and easy to identify the parties.

Most common needs for Computer Forensics
Criminal wrongdoing
Civil litigation
Employee or Employer Internet abuse
Pornography
Deleted Instant messages
Divorce investigative issues
Software privacy issues
Websites visited
Deleted e-mails
and more….

Computer Forensics investigations can range from criminal activity, destruction of intellectual property, theft of personal data, CP, expected suspicious activity, employee deception and much more.