When it comes to retrieving electronically stored information (ESI) for compliance, litigation, or internal investigations, there’s more than one way to get the job done. But not all methods, or providers, are created equal.
Most e-discovery firms are highly proficient at collecting and processing large volumes of data. Their typical process looks like this: they receive an image or data batch from a custodian, process it for preservation, and produce sets of files for review such as emails, spreadsheets, PDFs, or Word documents. They’re especially well-suited for handling massive document populations, reflected in their volume-based pricing models.
You give them your parameters, keywords, date ranges, custodians, and they efficiently deliver documents that meet those criteria.
But What’s Often Missing?
Fragments of data that could be absolutely critical to your position.
These overlooked data points might live in places a typical e-discovery process doesn’t examine, such as:
- Swap files and volatile memory (RAM)
- Shell Bags and Jump Lists, which reveal folder access and file interactions
- Artifacts of “deleted” files, remnants that can prove attempted concealment or destruction
These subtle but powerful digital breadcrumbs often aren’t captured by standard e-discovery workflows or by general IT teams. Yet they can make or break a case.
Ford or Ferrari?
If you’re litigation counsel or corporate general counsel, you understand that certain situations demand knowing exactly what data is recoverable in any form, from any corner of a device.
So ask yourself:
- Is your current matter straightforward enough for a Ford (traditional e-discovery), a dependable, practical option for large-scale document processing?
- Or do the stakes and circumstances demand a Ferrari, with a highly trained driver, a digital forensics team equipped to uncover fragments, deleted data, and hidden interactions that standard tools miss?
Having the right forensic investigator, paired with the most advanced tools, is often the difference between winning and losing.
What’s your need?
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’re facing a potential case of employee data theft or have concerns about unauthorized activity, contact us for a confidential consultation.