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Collection Overview

DSi’s digital forensics experts are trained in the proper techniques and procedures to preserve the integrity of your data and provide a documented path of the evidence handled. We ensure that all data sources are fully documented and that all collected data is verified against the original source media to confirm data integrity. The goal of our data collection process is to create effective, cost-efficient solutions that meet all requirements.

Incorrect data collections often result in spoliation, which is the corruption or altering of data or metadata. This can cause negative effects on your case, leading to problems including increased costs, sanctions, dismissals, or inferred judgments.

DSi’s expert, certified team can perform a forensic collection (complete bit-by-bit copy) or a logical acquisition (collecting live and active files only), or we can pre-configure our device to filter as it collects. Additionally we provide a Pre-Media Analysis Report (Pre-MAR), with full detail on the collected information. To date, there has never been a system or device from which DSi could not collect data.

We have multiple ways of gathering information and offer four primary methods of collection:

1. Traditional on-site collection — Our certified team of experts can come to you and perform the collection at your location(s).
2. Remote collection with a collection appliance — We will install a device that allows for collection, verification and transfer of various data sources from multiple locations on the network.
3. Remote collection portables — DSi’s technicians will provide pre-programmed, small pieces of hardware that can quickly and accurately gather data in a forensically sound and accepted manner.
4. Web collection – We leverage proprietary cloud-based collection technology to defensibly collect relevant data remotely, ensuring the scalable, secure and stable advantages of the cloud, all through a single web-based portal.

Chain of Custody

DSi maintains thorough and detailed chain of custody records and strict data security protocols. At the time of collection or seizure, DSi will provide you with a Chain of Custody form, which will allow us to remove the desired media as evidence. Signing this form also allows us to track the media from its origin, starting with the initial custodian, alleviating any potential question about evidence alteration. Once the media is in our custody, it is entered into our proprietary Chain of Custody tracking system, and then kept in our secure data and storage facility. The media piece is bar-coded and labeled by client name prefix, project number and media number. Additionally, drives are encrypted and all data is hashed for verification.

Project Design

Each project begins with a Project Design meeting of DSi’s team and the litigation team, during which we will determine the total scope of the project, taking care to document any specific requirements. Based on this meeting, your dedicated project manager will set up a thorough workflow to accommodate data, deadline, budget, review requirements, production requirements, privacy requirements, document delivery formats and all other project considerations.