An Overview of Digital Forensics and Electronic Discovery

Digital forensics and electronic discovery involve the collection and analysis of electronically-stored data. Together, these two fields of electronic security cover the entire digital information spectrum. To find out more about what each one is and when or why you may want to hire an investigative team to perform digital forensics and electronic discovery procedures for your company, continue reading this article.

What is digital forensics?

Digital forensics entails the thorough examination of electronic storage devices. In the process, electronic systems investigators identify, collect, maintain, and analyze the data stored on an electronic device. After doing so, they produce results based on their analyses that are defensible enough to be upheld in a court of law. Deleted, damaged, and encrypted files are all included in the analysis and the data explained in the results.

What is electronic discovery?

Electronic discovery, or e-discovery, is the process of gathering electronic data so that it is readily available and can be stored on a variety of electronic storage devices. This data is gathered and stored via:

  • Information and identity management.
  • Collection and preservation of all data.

When good e-discovery practices are employed at a company, e-discovery records can be sent to a team of digital forensics investigators for:

  • Processing, analysis, review, and presentation of results.

When are these processes necessary?

Electronic discovery should be practiced by any company that stores sensitive data and records that are crucial to future business. Digital forensics should be employed when a company needs to draw on its performance history to justify a decision made in the present, as well as whenever a company is facing legal action. A forensics team can ensure the files and digital history stored on your computer that support your case will provide you with valid courtroom evidence.

Are you a Dallas-based business owner who is looking for services in the field of electronic security and identity? If so, call PathMaker Group at (817) 704-3644 and ask about our electronic discovery, digital forensics, and identity management services today!

 

Federation is no longer an option

In the past six months we’ve had more conversations with prospects and clients about Federation than in the prior six years.The technology is being widely adopted and is no longer a barrier. What is becoming a barrier is managing the multitude of user ids and passwords required to perform someone’s daily job duties. Or more commonly all these ids or multiple logins may be the reason a customer chooses a competitor to transact business with. Strategic business direction almost mandates that a move to a seemless customer logon experience is no longer an option. It will start costing companies significant business (if it hasn’t already).

It’s becoming clear, based on our conversations with clients, that a federated identity management model is moving up the priority list for IT management. And it’s being driven from the business side. If you’re in IT security or infrastructure, are you educated and ready to help move your company forward? Read more