Computer Forensics is the identification, preservation, extraction, interpretation and presentation of computer-related evidence.

As of August 2000, 54 million households or 51% had one or more computers (U.S. Census Bureau). A vast majority of businesses rely on computers in some capacity in everyday operations. This leads to the ever-increasing importance of electronic discovery.

Electronic discovery typically only reveals known or existing files and documents. Computer forensics takes electronic discovery to the next level. Using specialized software tools, computer forensic examiners can do an extensive search of a computer to possibly find and preserve electronic files or data that has been delete from or hidden on the computer.

Computer forensic examiners can also piece together a time line of events to possibly show what the computer user was doing and when they were doing it. This can be used to show an individual copied or deleted information at a given point in time. A computer forensic examiner may even be able to show that a user accessed a company computer remotely from home.

Internet activity can be tracked to show when and where an individual was surfing on the internet or when electronic banking or online stock transactions took place.

E-mail activity can be track to see if sensitive information was sent to unauthorized individuals either in the content of the e-mail or as file attachments.

Most in-house computer departments do not have the specialized software tools or knowledge to perform this level of investigation. Electronic information is easily altered and even the simple act of turning on the computer can alter or sometimes destroy key pieces of evidence.

SGC Computer Forensics has computer forensic examiners who have been trained and certified in computer forensics. SGC also has the latest forensic hardware and software tools that will preserve the electronic evidence in its original format. SGC also understand the legal process and procedures involved with gathering electronic evidence, preventing spoliation, and preserving the chain of custody.

The following are just some of the forensic services SGC offers:

• Desktop/Laptop acquisition and examination
• Server acquisition and examination
• Cell Phone acquisition and examination
• PDA acquisition and examination
• Extract, preserve, and cull email from various email systems
• Prepare computer related and technical question for deposition
• Review deposition
• Assist with technical terminology in pleadings and motions
• Expert testimony in civil and criminal cases
• and more..