Computer Forensics – The Legal Side of Data Recovery

Most people that work with Ontrack Data Recovery™ know we are the industry leader in data recovery, but many aren't aware of the other side of the company that can help with data issues for legal proceedings. Kroll Ontrack offers a variety of Legal Technology services including a service called Computer Forensics. Computer Forensics utilizes data recovery techniques, but includes different elements that make it unique. This month's feature article explains what Computer Forensics is all about and exactly when you or your company should consider working with our other division - Kroll Ontrack.

Data Recovery is a process used to "recover" data from media that has become inaccessible. This data can disappear due to a variety of reasons including hardware failure, software failure and/or natural disasters. When data is inaccessible due to deletion from intentional purposes such as computer intrusions or from a disgruntled employee, Computer Forensics should become involved.

Computer Forensics is the understanding, investigation, analysis, and possible production of data from computer media where this data might be used as evidence supporting or disproving aspects of an investigation or litigation between individuals or companies. If there is a possibility the computer or media may be used in litigation, then Computer Forensics could very well be the route you take to preserve an original copy of the media for investigative reasons while the data is recovered.

Some common examples where Computer Forensics is used include:

• Scenarios related to intrusion or computer hacking
• Intellectual Property theft
• Internal company investigations against company policies
• Computer sabotage
• Preservation of data on a computer
• Data recovery with the need of maintaining a Chain of Custody

The Computer Forensics process identifies and preserves the original computer evidence (media) from alteration during the analysis of the media in question. This step identifies who was or has been accessing the media at certain points during the time in question.

Since a proper and thorough computer forensics analysis could mean the difference between winning and losing a case, it is important that a credible company like Kroll Ontrack - the recognized worldwide leader in the industry - is utilized for the most difficult, critical, and time-sensitive investigations.

Kroll Ontrack's computer forensic engineers can help you:

• Preserve the integrity of your evidence with best practices chain of custody protocols and mirror imaging technology
• Retrieve email data
• Access active and recover deleted data files or file fragments
• Recreate time-critical computer events
• Recover data that seems forever lost due to hardware or software malfunction or destruction
• Crack password protected or encrypted files

When you experience data loss and simply need your data back, call the experts at Ontrack Data Recovery. When you need to determine the who, what, when, where, and how of computer-related conduct for legal purposes - turn to Kroll Ontrack. Kroll Ontrack can help you uncover key pieces of digital evidence ... even if someone else has tried to hide, tamper, or destroy it. With Kroll Ontrack, you get the same great service and technology you're used to with Ontrack Data Recovery - just a different name.

To contact Kroll Ontrack call 1-800-347-6105 or visit the website at http://www.krollontrack.com for more information.