When an employee leaves, whether on good terms or not, their departure can create more than just an empty desk. In today’s connected workplaces, departing staff often have access to sensitive information, client lists, intellectual property, and proprietary data. If that information is mishandled or removed without authorization, the impact on the business can be significant.
Digital forensics offers a proven way to document, preserve, and analyze what happened before, during, and after an employee’s exit. The key is acting quickly, before valuable evidence is overwritten or lost.
Why Timing Matters
Once an employee hands in their notice or is terminated, every moment counts. Devices and accounts are still rich with evidence but that evidence can be altered in minutes. Steps like reassigning a laptop, deleting accounts, or letting devices auto-sync to personal cloud storage can destroy key information.
Fast action allows you to:
- Preserve logs showing recent activity.
- Prevent further remote access.
- Secure physical devices before changes occur.
- Capture a complete snapshot of data before it’s altered.
What to Collect
A thorough employee exit investigation should focus on both company-issued devices and any systems the employee could access. Examples include:
- Computers and Laptops: Imaging drives to capture files, emails, and system logs.
- Smartphones and Tablets: Preserving call logs, messages, app data, and cloud sync history.
- Cloud Accounts: Email, file storage, collaboration tools, and project management systems.
- Network Activity Logs: VPN connections, file transfers, and unusual activity before departure.
Common Red Flags
Digital forensics often uncovers activity that signals potential misuse:
- Large file transfers to USB drives or external storage.
- Accessing sensitive folders not related to the employee’s role.
- Deleting or wiping files before returning equipment.
- Sending business documents to personal email addresses.
- Logging in from unusual locations or devices.
Preservation First, Analysis Second
In any investigation, preservation is the priority. Forensic imaging, account access suspension, and log archiving should happen before analysis begins. This ensures data remains admissible in legal proceedings and provides a clear chain of custody. Once preserved, forensic analysts can reconstruct timelines, identify file movements, and determine whether unauthorized access occurred.
An employee’s departure doesn’t have to put your company’s data at risk but it does require a plan. Acting quickly, securing devices and accounts, and working with trained forensic professionals can make the difference between proving a claim and losing valuable evidence.
About Swailes Computer Forensics
Swailes Computer Forensics provides expert digital forensic services to law firms, corporations, and organizations nationwide. Our work includes investigations into intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, data breaches, and more. With decades of experience and a commitment to integrity and clarity, we help clients uncover critical evidence and take informed action. If you suspect sensitive data was taken or misused during an employee’s exit, contact Swailes Computer Forensics for a discreet consultation.