Data Acquisition, Collection, and Preservation

Once the scope is defined, we perform detailed data acquisition, collection, and preservation methods to ensure integrity and accuracy.
Once the scope is defined, we perform detailed data acquisition, collection, and preservation methods to ensure integrity and accuracy. Our services include:

Forensic Collection of Identified Media: This includes data from PC systems, servers, USB devices, and other storage media.

  • Targeted Collection of User-Created and Shared Content: We focus on live data, including files and content that are actively in use, ensuring important information is not overlooked.
  • Tape/Backup Restoration and Processing: We handle complex tape backup restorations and process the data for use in your investigation.
  • Cloud Storage and Web-Based Content: Our team collects data from cloud storage systems (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive) and other online platforms.
  • Email Content Extraction: We collect and convert email data from both local clients (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.) and web-based services (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.), ensuring complete coverage.
  • Creating Working Copies: All original data is preserved in pristine form, with copies created for analysis to maintain evidence integrity.
  • User File Processing & Extraction: User files are processed while maintaining file metadata, folder structures, and operating system context.
  • Mobile Device Collection: We extract data from smartphones, iPhones, PDAs, tablets, and other mobile devices, including SIM cards and external storage.
  • Assisted Remote Collection: We assist clients with remote data collection, ensuring data is gathered efficiently, even when devices are off-site.
  • Text Collection: We can extract, search, date filter and produce text messages in multiple formats including PDF’s, Chat Bubbles, Excel and Load Files.

Need Help? Contact Us

kjones@dwforensics.com

(214) 566-7800

need help?

FAQ’s

How long will it take to image my computer or cell phone?
The time to image a computer or cell phone all depends on the amount of data and the storage capacity. Computers may take 4 or more hours while cell phones can typically be imaged within two hours but could run longer.
Can I use my cell phone during imaging.
The phone must remain in airplane mode while imaging so they phone; therefore, you will not be able to use it during the imaging process.
How long will it take to collect my email?
The time to collect email varies from one email provider to another and could take a few hours or run overnight. Fortunately, you can continue to use your email during the collection process.
Can I still use my email during the data collection?
Yes, you can still use your email during the data collection.
Is my data secure and how long will you keep my data?
Typically, we must keep the data throughout the entire legal process. It is not until we receive a written request from legal counsel do we then destroy the data. The data collection is saved on encrypted hard drives and is secured in our vault. Our building also maintains a security presence and remained locked afterhours requiring keycards to gain access to the building.
Will you be going through and reviewing my data?
Typically, no, we do not review your data. Most cases have a defined protocol that has us search the data and provide only those emails or documents that contain specific words or phrases. We then provide only those emails and documents to counsel that have those specific, targeted words and phrases.