online-data-forensicsCloud Data Forensics

Cloud-based platforms present unique challenges for digital forensic investigations, but also powerful opportunities for those with the expertise to navigate them. At Swailes Computer Forensics, we bring extensive experience handling high volumes of forensic investigations and remain at the forefront of cloud forensics and remote data acquisition methodologies.

Our investigative approach delivers actionable insights from cloud-based email, file storage, collaboration platforms, and synced devices. The resulting analysis supports cases involving confidential data leaks, trade secret misappropriation, unauthorized access, and network-based attacks.

Cloud-Based Data We Recover and Analyze

Our cloud forensics investigations focus on identifying and extracting critical evidence stored in cloud-hosted platforms and applications. Below are common types of data we recover and analyze during cloud-based examinations:

  • Web-Based Email Accounts
    Recovery and analysis of emails, attachments, metadata, and user activity from services like Gmail, Outlook.com, and others.

  • Cloud Application Documents
    Examination of files created or accessed via Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, etc.), and similar platforms.

  • Online Databases
    Investigation of access logs, data queries, user changes, and content retrieved from hosted business databases and cloud CRM systems.

  • VOIP and Messaging Data
    Recovery of call logs, messages, timestamps, and usage details from services such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar tools.

  • Cloud Storage Platforms
    File activity, sharing records, deleted files, and sync data from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, and other cloud storage services.

  • Logging, Security, and Access Permissions
    Detailed review of login history, IP addresses, device sync records, permission changes, and other security-relevant metadata.

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Cross-Industry Expertise

Digital evidence is industry-agnostic, our team is not. Swailes Computer Forensics brings hands-on investigative experience across a wide range of industries, each with its own unique data environment, compliance standards, and risk profiles.

We regularly assist clients in:

  • Oil & Gas – Investigating data theft, operational sabotage, and compliance-related matters.

  • Healthcare – Supporting HIPAA-sensitive cases involving patient data access, unauthorized disclosures, and insider threats.

  • Financial Services – Assisting with fraud detection, regulatory investigations, and breach response.

  • Technology & Software – Examining intellectual property disputes, source code misuse, and unauthorized data transfers.

  • Manufacturing – Uncovering trade secret theft, contract disputes, and employee misconduct.

  • Legal & Professional Services – Providing litigation support and expert testimony in civil and criminal proceedings.

  • Global Enterprises – Conducting multi-jurisdictional investigations involving cloud services, mobile data, and international compliance concerns.

Our broad industry perspective allows us to tailor our forensic strategy to your operational realities, without compromising investigative depth or legal defensibility.

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Cloud Challenges We Address

Our team is experienced in navigating the technical complexities and legal sensitivities of cloud-based environments. Below are some of the specialized challenges we address during cloud forensic investigations:

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
    Investigation of hosted application platforms and environments such as Microsoft Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine.

  • Executive Email Account Compromise
    Detection and analysis of unauthorized access, phishing campaigns, and suspicious activity targeting high-level email accounts.

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
    Forensic acquisition and analysis of virtual servers, cloud storage, and networking environments hosted on platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

  • Cloud-Based Backup Analysis
    Recovery and examination of data stored in cloud backup services, including deleted or versioned files.

  • Elastic Data Environments
    Handling of scalable and dynamic data sets that change frequently, such as cloud logs, containers, and virtualized resources.

  • Live Forensics
    Real-time analysis of cloud-hosted systems and active environments without disrupting operations or triggering data loss.

  • Static Analysis
    In-depth review of preserved snapshots, logs, or archived data sets for long-term analysis and legal review.

  • Virtualized Collection
    Targeted extraction of data from virtual machines and hosted environments using forensically sound methods.

Clear Answers from Complex Cloud Environments

Cloud forensics requires a unique combination of technical expertise, investigative intuition, and legal awareness. At Swailes Computer Forensics, we specialize in cutting through complexity to uncover the truth, whether data was deleted, concealed, or compromised in a virtual environment.

Our team delivers reliable, court-ready findings that support litigation, regulatory response, and internal investigations. We work discreetly, thoroughly, and with a focus on outcomes that matter.

If you're facing a cloud-related investigation or need clarity about potential data exposure, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Need a Cloud Forensic Expert?

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