computer forensics Archives - Page 2 of 7

Is Using Surveillance Equipment Good or Bad?

If you watch TV at all, you hear continual references to closed circuit TV. In fact, if you spend time in the UK or other European countries you will see them everywhere. We realize that makes some people feel uneasy, but there are two sides to surveillance equipment. The Crime Prevention Side of Surveillance Equipment Not sure if I should call it crime prevention because it only seems to deter those who respect the law to begin with, but cameras can be installed inside and around public space and places of business to: Record evidence of theft and other wrongdoing such as vandalism. Authorities routinely use CC TV recordings to identify robbers and submit images to the public for help in apprehending the perpetrators. Employers [...]

Digital Forensics Performed by Private Forensics Companies Picking Up Steam

There is a troubling trend growing in the world of crime and punishment and that’s why the phones at are ringing. Just like every other aspect, life has been impacted by technology, the crime world has taken advantage of new technology, too. But on the other hand, that means that the authorities who police and the attorneys who prosecute (or defend) those in court have to be prepared to use everything technology provides for them, as well. Living in the information age promulgated by technology makes that a challenge. There is just so much evidence and data that has to be uncovered and handled so that it can be used as evidence. The sheer volume is overwhelming authorities. It’s not just in the United States, [...]

Get to the Truth with Digital Forensics

You’ve probably heard by now that you can’t believe everything you see and hear on the Internet, right? But what happens when there is an image that is undeniably you or taken in your business or agency location that is being circulated? Case in point: A central Florida police department was the subject of a pornographic image that was being distributed via Twitter. Of course the police department released statements that it was a fake image, it created a PR problem. Through computer forensics it was determined that the image had been created using computer imaging software. What if it happens to YOU? Organizations can often get past the situation. Not as easy for individuals. When this sort of thing happens to private citizens, it [...]

It’s Not Easy to be Forgettable, Even for Private Investigators

Everyone loves a new, shiny car, right? I mean, what’s not to love about a car that catches everyone’s eye as you drive by? Women are often just as excited about a shiny red convertible or a sleek steel gray luxury sedan as men. How about that great big truck with the fancy paint job and wheels that make you feel you can touch the sky? Isn’t that fun? And what about that new car smell… Cool cars and trucks might make your heart race, but for a private investigator, the primary descriptor goal of a vehicle is anything but showy – it’s forgettable. In fact, the goal is completely forgettable. Many tasks undertaken by are away from the subject’s eyes. Computer forensics investigations and [...]

New Technology Adds to the Value of Digital Forensics

There are changes coming and, as usual, they have to do with technology. So you know that is seeing the application in our work. Besides keeping your smartphone in your pocket or purse at all times, people are beginning to track themselves in other ways like wearables, apps and even with products like Fitbit. Let’s talk about that. Fitbit syncs with your phone, tablet, laptop or desk top computer. So information from the Fitbit can be accessed and preserved as evidence by a forensic investigator using data mining software. In a landmark case in Calgary, Canada, Fitbit data was used as evidence to show the lasting effect of an accident on a victim. She had extensive historical records before and then after the accident to [...]

Bad Partner Revealed Through Comprehensive Investigation

As a risk-taking entrepreneur, John was accustomed to feeling stressed. But for months, John felt more on edge than ever. Two of his three business partners had readily agreed to the sale of one of their jointly owned companies. But for some reason, the fourth partner adamantly disagreed. With a majority vote, the partners did not need Eric's vote in order to sell. But John didn't want animosity. He continued to try to discuss the decision with Eric. But suddenly, Eric, the business accountant, was so angry that he refused to turn over tax records requested by potential buyers. As if that situation wasn't enough of a headache, John secretly feared that he was being watched or even followed. He avoided discussing this with his [...]

Virtual Currency and Bad Guys

Private investigators like consider staying on top of technology one of the requirements of the job. So when the bad guys start a trend of using a new technology, we are ready with investigative strategies to stay in step with them. We do a lot of computer investigation, forensic computer analysis and mobile phone forensics. In our experience, bad guys are trying to move money through services like Bitcoin. Many believe that transactions through these services are undetectable. While tracing the transactions takes extra skill and perseverance, they are not completely hidden. One example is that in order to get funds into the systems, the virtual currency has to actually be purchased. And purchases leave a paper trail. Computer forensics specialists, especially those who are [...]

Computer Forensic Investigations Overwhelm Authorities

In a recent article in The Police Chief, First Sergeant Charles Cohen, of the Indiana State Police identifies the challenges facing authorities in the field of computer forensics. He says that computer forensic investigators, detectives, and prosecutors all have similar lamentations: There is an unacceptable backlog of computers and devices waiting for examination. By the time computers are examined, it is often too late to follow many of the leads that are produced. Most detectives do not understand computer forensics and what it can accomplish to further their investigations. Many computer forensic examiners do not understand the investigation, causing them to overlook relevant information and expend resources needlessly. These are some of the reasons why attorneys and their clients across the nation turn to when [...]

Today’s Investigative Skills

Unfortunately, some people continue to hold onto old stereotypes. Uninformed members of the general public still envision a private investigator as a trench coat-wearing figure, hiding behind a newspaper in a motel lobby. Of course, more informed members of the community, those who actually stay in touch with the times, know better. They not only know, they deeply respect the fact that many private investigators are amazingly talented researchers. We have many resources at our fingertips. We also have the ability to think fast on our feet. The investigators in this firm are all of those things plus a lot more. Intellectually, we are at the top. At , we take great pride in our skill sets and our track record. Most of the time, [...]

Remove the Rose-Colored Glasses to See Clearly with Investigative Services

Joan was the type of woman who pretended not to see things. In fact, Joan liked to believe that as long as she didn't talk about a terrible issue, it would somehow just magically go away. For the last four years of her thirty-year marriage, Joan was an ostrich. She suspected her husband of being a cheating spouse. But she buried her head in the sand. She suspected him of using cocaine again, even after he successfully completely rehab ten years ago. But Joan hid her head as often as possible. She also occasionally wondered if her husband was even capable of swindling Lewis, his longtime business partner. But unfortunately, Joan chose to wear those rose-colored glasses. And in the end, Joan was penniless. When [...]