DIGITAL FORENSICS, EDISCOVERY, CYBERSECURITY,
AND IT EXPERTS

Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that involves the collection, recovery, and investigation of data found on devices and accounts that store electronic data. Common devices that are the subject of digital forensic analysis include personal computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, servers, email accounts, social media accounts, web-based storage accounts, wearable technology, and Internet connected devices (Internet of Things), among others.

The terms “computer forensics” and “digital forensics” often are used interchangeably. Because experts in our industry routinely work with many device types other than computers, as well as electronic storage accounts, digital forensics more accurately captures the modern scope of expertise.

The eDiscovery lifecycle consists of the following stages:

• Information Governance: The information governance stage is not specific to a particular case, but rather is the process of planning for eDiscovery and management of electronically stored information (“ESI”) in order to best manage eDiscovery risks and costs.
• Identification: The identification stage involves determining the scope of ESI for a matter, such as custodians who possess ESI, data categories, and ESI storage locations.
• Preservation: The preservation stage ensures that ESI cannot inappropriately be altered or destroyed. This typically should occur when litigation reasonably is anticipated.
• Collection: The collection stage involves copying ESI for subsequent use in the discovery process, for example through the use of a digital forensics provider who can collect ESI in a verifiable manner without altering potentially relevant metadata.
• Processing: The processing stage typically includes reducing the volume of ESI through automated means, such as application of date restrictions and search terms, and conversion of ESI into a format that can be more easily reviewed and analyzed, such as load files that can be imported into a hosted review platform.
• Review: The review stage involves reviewing ESI for responsiveness, such as to discovery requests, and privilege.  Many lawyers use a hosted document review platform to conduct more efficient document reviews, such as Relativity, iConect, and others.
• Production: The production stage consists of turning over relevant non-privileged ESI for review by other parties, ideally based on agreed-upon production specifications.
• Presentation: The presentation stage involves displaying ESI that has been reviewed in various forums, such as depositions, hearings, mediations, and/or trials.  Electronic evidence can be presented to assist witness testimony, demonstrate key facts, or persuade the finder of fact.

Assisted review utilizes technology such as predictive coding and advanced machine learning to apply reviewers’ coding decisions to a broader data set, thereby decreasing review time and costs.  

Information technology managed services involve retaining an outside vendor as a single point of contact to meet routine information technology needs of an organization. Information technology managed services agreements often provide response time guarantees, and include specified services within predictable flat rates. Partnering with a skilled information technology managed services provider can increase organizational efficiency and profitability, while minimizing security risks.

Cybersecurity managed services are a subset of information technology managed services, in which an outside vendor is retained to develop and manage efforts to improve an organization’s data security posture. This can include reviewing cybersecurity policies and procedures, performing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, conducting cybersecurity training, and overseeing other cybersecurity efforts.

Better Evidence, Clearly. That means ELIJAH is second-to-none at collecting and investigating digital evidence, and devoted to presenting it in the clearest possible manner.

Anyone can say that, but we back it up:

1. ELIJAH is run by former litigation partners who understand your needs. Each digital forensic expert on our team receives training in the legal process, written communication, oral communication, and responsiveness.
2. ELIJAH has an over 15 year track record of successfully providing digital forensic solutions to clients. Our personnel have testified as experts in digital forensics in federal and state courts, and our focus on digital forensics helps us stay ahead of constant technological evolution.
3. We have earned numerous industry recognitions, including: “Best For Computer Forensics & Expert Testimony Services – USA” (2018 Corporate USA Today Annual Awards); “Digital Forensics Provider of the Year” (2018 Finance Monthly Law Awards), “US – Computer Forensics Investigations Provider of the Year” (2018 ACQ5 Law Awards); and “Computer Forensics Investigations Provider of the Year – USA” (2018 M&A Today Global Awards).