Computer Forensics is used for any device with the ability to store digital information. Private Investigators use Computer Forensics for crimes that took place “elsewhere,” such as hacking.
When performing Computer Forensics, the Private Investigator knows how important it is to preserve any information, leaving the computer in the same condition as it was found. This would allow another party to come in and perform the same investigation if needed for the case.
The most common cases that have used Computer Forensics are:
● Forgeries
● Regulatory compliance
● Financial fraud
● Inappropriate use of work email
● Intellectual property theft
● Employment disputes
When performing Computer Forensics, Private Investigators look through:
● Emails
● Search history
● Documents and files
● User navigation paths
Beyond the contents of the emails and files lies important metadata. User actions while accessing such documents and files are also important during such an investigation. This is why knowing user paths is so important.
Types of crimes in which Computer Forensics can be beneficial are:
● Hacking
● Fraud
● Drug trafficking
● Kidnap
● Murder
The following questions can be important to the PI when searching computers:
● Which user is accessing the documents and/or files?
● When did the document first appear on the device?
● When were the last edits made?
● When was it last saved?
● When was it last printed?
The information found during a Computer Forensics investigation can be very helpful for Attorney Law Firms. If the information is found admissible, the findings can be used to advance a case.
While there are roadblocks that can get in the way of a Computer Forensics investigation, such as encryption, storage space, new technology, anti-forensics, and legislative domains, Private Investigators are trained to work around them in order to present the Attorney Law Firm with the important information that is needed.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome. Individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an attorney to understand current laws and how they may affect a case.