E-Forensics

Computer forensics is the preservation, collection, analysis, and the presentation of electronic data in a manner that can be useful in civil cases, such as divorce, breach of contract and copyright infringement. The data may also be relevant in criminal cases, such as fraud, theft and electronic trespassing. Many employers also find the data valuable as it relates to employment issues, such as inappropriate use of company resources, harassment and poor job performance due to web surfing.

The amount of data stored on a computer is mind boggling. Even if you purposely delete files or emails, the data may be retrieved. Aperio’s forensic examiners have the tools, the knowledge, the experience and the skills to sort through the massive amounts of data and find the files that have been deleted, partially over-written, or just forgotten.

Aperio’s forensic computer examiners have the techniques and tools to break passwords as well. This can come into play if a disgruntled employee decides to change the password to the accounting application (QuickBooks, Peachtree) or set passwords on files. This skill can also be used to break passwords on applications such as email, IM or websites.

An Aperio forensic examiner not only provides data but also defines how computers may have been used inappropriately. An examiner was once asked to track down how files with restricted intellectual property were sent via email to a competitor. The examiner found out who sent it and when they did it. Another case involved a wrongful termination suit. The examiner provided a report on the terminated employee’s internet browsing habits —how much time did they browse and which sites did they visit.