FORENSIC DATA COLLECTION SERVICES

Forensic data collection? Computer forensics? Data recovery?

These are just some of the terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of collecting and analyzing digital evidence and data that has been stored electronically. There are several approaches to collecting data that can be confusing or risky if the wrong method is applied to your case. Without the guidance of a computer forensics professional, those who are unfamiliar with the procedures may make costly procedural mistakes. If the appropriate collection method is not selected and electronic evidence is not handled in the appropriate manner early in the case, the risk of evidence spoliation, higher costs or damage to the relationship with your client may become a reality.

At Commonwealth Legal, we begin by helping you to decide on the best collection strategy for your case. We combine proven, industry-leading technology, such as EnCase®, with our extensive legal expertise, ensuring a strategic approach where costs are controlled effectively, critical timelines are met, risks are minimized and the evidence is accessed and managed in the most meaningful way.

What sets us apart from other companies in the market place is the fact that we understand the litigation and investigation environment as well as the legal process. We also know the importance of confidentiality and security. As an ISO 9001 quality-certified eDiscovery company, our processes are designed based on 100% quality control and our experienced team is highly trained to handle your evidence with care. Most of all, we recognize that the investigation and litigation processes demand a sense of urgency and we are there to help you meet your deadlines.

Your options.

Typical forms of electronically stored information (ESI) include the familiar office documents found on desktop and laptop computers, electronic mail and instant messages, financial databases, Internet sites, among others. Previously, clients were faced with a choice between two options for collection of ESI. Those seeking a fully defensible solution turned to Full-Disk Forensic Imaging. With increasingly large local hard drives and active servers, individual Full-Disk Forensic Imaging is rarely cost-effective, nor is it always legally required.

In the cases where Full-Disk Forensic Imaging was not necessary to preserve ESI, the ‘Drag and Drop’ Collection method was applied to the evidence. There are several potential risks to using this method:

• Deleted information is not captured
• Metadata is altered
• Data is not forensically sound

Often considered to be cost-effective, the ‘Drag and Drop’ method may even be more costly in the long run if spoliation arguments are raised or key evidence is lost.

There is another choice.

Targeted Forensic Collection offers more forensic completeness and integrity than ‘Drag and Drop’ collection, but is aimed at gathering only the most relevant information regarding the case, excluding deleted information.

Targeted Forensic Collection can:

• Target by custodian
• Target by date range
• Target by file type (e.g. office documents, mail)
• Limit by location
• Capture metadata
• Document the chain of custody
• Be forensically sound with the appropriate tools and expertise

For more information on our Forensic Data Collection Service, click here

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