What Does a Computer Forensics Service Do?

Computer forensics services are growing in popularity. In fact, computer forensics is a field that is expected to increase over the next few years, with Mordor Intelligence stating that they expect the global digital forensics market to increase by 11%. Yet many attorneys, businesses, and individuals still wonder what a computer forensics service actually entails and how the findings can be used effectively in civil and other matters. Below, we explain what computer forensics professionals do, how findings are applied, and why demand continues to rise.

What Does a Computer Forensics Service Do?

Computer forensics, sometimes called digital forensics, involves the identification, preservation, collection, examination, and reporting of electronically stored information (ESI). The goal is to surface relevant facts while maintaining a defensible, repeatable process that supports legal and investigative needs. This work often uncovers information that is not readily visible to everyday users, such as deleted files, hidden artifacts, and historical activity across devices and applications. Learn more about our approach to computer forensics.

Core Phases of a Forensic Engagement

• Identification: Determine potentially relevant sources of data (computers, mobile devices, cloud accounts, email, messaging platforms, external media, and backups).
• Preservation: Implement steps to protect data from alteration, including legal hold guidance, device isolation when appropriate, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Collection/Imaging: Create forensic images or targeted collections in a manner that preserves metadata and integrity, using write-blocking and validated tools.
• Analysis: Examine file systems, logs, artifacts, communications, and user activity to reconstruct timelines and identify relevant evidence.
• Reporting and Testimony: Deliver clear, supportable findings in a written report, and provide affidavits or expert testimony when required. Explore our forensic expert witness and testimony services.

How Is the Information a Computer Forensics Service Obtains Used?

In civil and administrative contexts, forensic results help establish facts, confirm or refute allegations, and guide strategy. Common scenarios include:

• Data theft and insider activity: Identify if sensitive files were accessed, copied, exfiltrated, or transferred to external media, personal devices, or cloud accounts, and pinpoint user accounts involved.
• Network compromise: Examine indicators of compromise, account access, and system logs to understand what occurred, when, and by whom.
• Employment and commercial disputes: Assess misuse of company equipment, policy violations, spoliation concerns, and the extent of data retention or deletion.
• Family law (divorce and custody): Locate relevant communications (such as emails or messages) and usage history that may inform custody or property issues.
• Personal injury and other civil matters: Review location data, device activity, and communications to help establish timelines or corroborate claims.

The information obtained by a computer forensic professional in terms of civil law is often used to prevent data theft or determine who is responsible for data theft. For example, if you own a business and you suspect that your company’s network has been compromised, a computer forensic specialist can capture vital information and even determine if a person or organization was responsible for the hack. Other civil disputes that can utilize computer forensic services are divorce and custody cases. Professionals can gather evidence, such as deleted text messages or emails, that can provide relevant context for the court. When a matter proceeds to discovery, coordinated eDiscovery services can help manage the broader lifecycle of ESI.

What Types of Data Can Be Recovered and Analyzed?

Depending on the situation and what is defensible to collect, a forensic examination may include:

• User files: Documents, spreadsheets, images, presentations, and archives.
• Deleted and residual data: Recoverable deleted files, remnants in unallocated space, and prior file versions.
• Metadata and system artifacts: File system metadata, registry entries, event logs, shellbags, link files, and jump lists.
• Communications: Emails, attachments, text messages, messaging apps (where accessible and legally permissible), and call logs.
• Internet and application history: Browser history, downloads, cached data, cookies, and application usage records.
• Cloud and account activity: Account access logs and available artifacts from email or collaboration platforms.
• Location and device usage data: Geolocation artifacts (when available), device connection history, and external media usage.

Devices and Environments Covered

Contrary to the common misconception that forensics is limited to traditional computers, modern engagements can involve a wide range of sources:

• Computers: Windows and macOS desktops and laptops.
• Mobile devices: iOS and Android phones and tablets, subject to access and legal authorization. See our mobile device forensics capabilities.
• Servers and virtual environments: On-premises servers, virtual machines, and hosted infrastructure.
• Cloud and SaaS platforms: Email and collaboration services, cloud storage, and enterprise applications (within permitted scope).
• Removable media and peripherals: External drives, USB devices, SD cards, and connected accessories.

Legal Considerations and Best Practices

To maximize the usefulness and defensibility of digital evidence, experienced providers focus on these fundamentals:

• Defensible methodology: Use validated tools and repeatable processes to help support admissibility and reduce challenges.
• Chain of custody: Document possession and handling from initial preservation through analysis and reporting.
• Scope and proportionality: Tailor collections to the issues at hand to control cost and minimize unnecessary data exposure.
• Privacy and legal compliance: Respect applicable laws, orders, and policies; segregate privileged materials as directed by counsel.
• Early collaboration with counsel: Coordinate on legal hold, custodian interviews, and search parameters to align with case strategy.

Practical Next Steps: Preserve First, Then Collect

Preservation mistakes can limit what evidence is recoverable. If you believe relevant ESI exists, consider the following steps:

• Avoid self-help: Do not run cleanup utilities, recovery software, or operating system restores on potentially relevant devices.
• Isolate when needed: If a device may be compromised, disconnect it from networks and power down only if advised by counsel or a forensic professional.
• Issue a legal hold: Work with counsel to suspend routine deletion on relevant accounts and devices.
• Document context: Note key dates, users, custodians, and systems. This context helps target collection and reduce costs.
• Engage professionals: A defensible forensic data collection preserves metadata and reduces spoliation risk.

Why Is the Computer Forensic Industry Expected to Grow?

One of the biggest misconceptions pertaining to computer forensics is that forensic work is strictly confined to computers. Computer forensics can be completed on computers, tablets, and cellphones, all of which are used day in and day out by individuals. As people use these devices constantly, the information that these devices contain is invaluable. As such, the need for individuals who are trained in how to find and retrieve forensic information on these devices is increasing. Additional drivers include the expansion of remote work, widespread cloud adoption, and heightened attention to cybersecurity, regulatory obligations, and data governance. Together, these forces contribute to sustained demand for skilled forensic professionals.

When Should You Engage a Computer Forensics Professional?

Early engagement preserves options and reduces risk. Consider contacting a forensic specialist when:

• You suspect data theft, policy violations, or unauthorized access.
• You are preparing for litigation, arbitration, or an internal investigation involving electronic evidence.
• A device or account contains potentially relevant communications or files.
• You need to evaluate whether deleted data can be recovered.
• You require a defensible collection to avoid spoliation concerns.
• There is a need for expert reporting or testimony.

What to Expect When You Work With a Provider

A professional engagement typically includes consultation to define scope, defensible preservation and collection, targeted or comprehensive analysis, and a written report summarizing findings, methodology, and relevant artifacts. Throughout the process, the provider should communicate clearly about timelines, costs, and deliverables, and coordinate with counsel to ensure efforts align with legal strategy.

Related Services at Forensic Discovery

• Computer Forensics
• Mobile Device Forensics
• eDiscovery Services
• Forensic Expert Witness & Testimony
• Incident Response & Breach Analysis
• Forensic Data Collection & Preservation

Talk to Forensic Discovery

If you need help getting the evidence you need for your investigation or claim, working with a computer forensics service may be perfect for you. Reach out to us today at Forensic Discovery to learn more about the services that we offer and how we can assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is computer forensics the same as eDiscovery?

They are related but distinct. Computer forensics focuses on defensible preservation, targeted collection, and technical analysis to surface facts from devices and data sources. eDiscovery addresses the broader lifecycle of electronically stored information in litigation, including processing, review, and production. Forensic work often precedes or complements eDiscovery.

Can deleted files or messages always be recovered?

Not always. Recovery depends on how the data was deleted, device usage after deletion, encryption, storage type, and other factors. A forensic professional can assess feasibility and attempt recovery using appropriate tools and methods.

What steps should I take to preserve potential evidence?

Avoid using or altering devices that may contain relevant information. Do not run cleanup tools, re-install software, or attempt do-it-yourself recovery. Consult counsel about legal holds, and contact a forensic professional to discuss safe preservation and collection options.

Can you examine cloud accounts and SaaS platforms?

Yes, where legally authorized and technically feasible. Many platforms provide export or audit features that can be collected in a defensible way. Scope and permissions are critical; consult counsel to ensure proper authorization and compliance.

How long does a forensic examination take?

Timelines vary based on the number of sources, data volume, access requirements, and the complexity of issues. After an initial consultation, a provider can outline expected phases and milestones tailored to the matter.

Will a forensic report be understandable to non-technical audiences?

It should be. Effective reports explain methods, artifacts, and conclusions in clear language, with supporting detail that enables counsel, clients, and the court to evaluate the findings.

What about privacy and privileged information?

Respecting privacy and privilege is essential. Engagements should follow applicable laws and orders, limit scope to what is necessary, and employ workflows (such as search terms and segregation protocols) to protect sensitive materials as directed by counsel.

Do you need physical access to devices to begin?

Physical access is often helpful, but not always required. Depending on the platform and permissions, some collections can be performed remotely. The approach should be selected to preserve integrity and comply with any legal constraints.

Can you work remotely or on short notice?

In many matters, remote triage or consultation can begin quickly, followed by targeted collection as appropriate. Timelines depend on device availability, access credentials, and scope agreed upon with counsel.