Computer forensics involves the extraction and analysis of electronically stored information (ESI) from devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and hard drives. Computers are an integral part of everyday life, and the digital evidence that can be recovered is crucial within a range of criminal, civil, and corporate investigations. Operating globally, Minerva is the foremost computer forensics provider. We assist criminal law firms in legally aided matters, civil law firms specialising in litigation, as well as businesses and private individuals.
Our seasoned investigators are experts in the recovery, analysis and reporting of computer data. Minerva adheres to The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidelines, ensuring that any extracted data is forensically sound and can be used as admissible evidence in legal proceedings.
A computer forensics investigator is not an IT technician. Years of training and ongoing development are standard, as deciphering binary and metadata on a computer can be as complex and precise as understanding human DNA. Having a computer involved in a case should be viewed as an absolute asset, as the quantity, variety, and potential value of data stored on the hard drive can be invaluable. However, if best practice guidelines are not followed, and forensic experts are not deployed, evidence can be lost forever and it becomes inadmissible in court or at tribunals.
Computer Digital Evidence
Minerva are instructed to identify, retrieve and report multiple forms of computer digital evidence.
With an extensive range of technology and strategies at our disposal, Minerva’s digital forensic analysts can tailor each investigation to your specific requirements. Adhering to legal aid rates where applicable, our experienced case managers will guide you through each phase of the analysis process, ensuring that evidence is reported in a clear fashion.
- Email correspondence
- Deleted files, folders, emails and messages
- Social media communication
- Application history
- Internet activity and history
- Theft of electronic intellectual property
- Analysis and reporting of usage
Data Identification
Minerva employs the latest rigorous digital forensic techniques to search, identify and categorise the relevant evidential data within an investigation. We invest heavily in our advanced technology platforms, which include specialist software such as AccessData, Cellebrite, Nuix, and Relativity.
Recovery of Deleted Data
Deleted doesn’t mean unrecoverable and Minerva’s computer forensic specialists have extensive expertise, spanning a broad range of investigations. They will produce a full technical report detailing all of the forensic analysis findings, placing your enquiry in the safest and most experienced hands.
Onsite Data Collection
Minerva have the full forensic capability for onsite data collection and are called upon frequently to execute covert data collections. So whether an exhibit is deemed too important to exit the premises, or an employee’s device(s) need ‘imaging’, we can assist immediately.
Imaging of Devices
‘Imaging’ is an exact forensic replica of digital media stored on a device’s hard drive. This preserves the data for court proceedings or investigations that occur at a later date and allows the original device to remain intact. This is especially useful in covert operations.
Remote Data Download
By using the advanced features of the Nuix software platform, Minerva can securely and forensically collect data via the internet. This also allows us to download and retrieve virtually anything from a system using remote desktop collection, including the following accounts;
- Mail stores
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Apple iCloud
This is important if you have international clients or must collect data at short notice, as it does not require any form of mobilisation from a forensic investigator or any type of onsite investigation.
Analysis of retrieved data
The search, recovery and analysis of data stored on computer devices can be crucial in civil and criminal matters. This can include data that has apparently been deleted from a device such as a computer, laptop, or hard drive but in actual fact is still present.
We utilise the latest forensic software such as EnCase to provide complete and thorough Computer Forensic Analysis and are proud to have leading industry experts at our disposal, including ex-military forensic investigators. The analysis we provide includes a full breakdown of the relevant findings, which can be presented in court by our Expert Witness trained specialists.