Select Investigations uses computer forensics in many of our cases. Almost every business and home has at least one computer used on a regular basis to communicate by e-mail, create and store data, create written correspondence and view DVD media, and access websites via the Internet. Someone attempting to hide activity may delete the material erasing the visible, but unknowingly leaving the invisible to be mined using high tech software by trained investigators.
Computer forensics is the collection, preservation, analysis and presentation of electronic evidence. The acquisition of electronic evidence while maintaining the integrity of the source is critical. Once the evidence is acquired, it is then indexed for analysis. Forensic data recovery can be an effective tool whenever searching for evidence of fraud, theft, adultery, intellectual property diversion or theft, harassment, discrimination, or possession of pornography. Discovering hidden keystroke logger programs in a business computer is often evidence of a serious crime. Small businesses are particularly susceptible to this kind of sabotage. Reasons for such surreptitious behavior run the gamut from present or former disgruntled employees to theft of trade secrets, customer lists, engineering data or drawings.
Knowledge of your case is essential to successful, cost effective computer forensics. Our experience testifying in court has proved that evidence alone is insufficient. Each bit of information must be presented and properly explained as an integral piece of the puzzle that fits with others within the context and scope of your case to make a complete picture.
Many companies offering data recovery services profess to have extensive experience. However, not all of these companies are a good choice in situations that may lead to criminal or civil legal proceedings. Essential expertise may be missing; and if an examiner does not understand the complexities of your case and know what to look for, critical evidence may be overlooked amid the mere volume of available data. Attempting to recover information with inexpensive or free shareware software is ineffective and even worse can lead to disaster. These types of programs often contaminate the computer or the evidence recovered to the point that it subsequently may be inadmissible in court.
If your need for data recovery is due to a hard drive failure, act of nature, or other computer malfunction, the services offered by experts in these areas are appropriate. We can make referrals to recommended companies for those needs. However, if your need for data recovery in your computer hard drive may be an essential part of the investigation and presentation of your case, we encourage you to contact us and discuss your needs.
