Data Preservation and Acquisition

Certified Forensic Examiners
     Defensible Processes
          Repeatable Results

Comprehensive, secure and reliable e-discovery projects begin with proper planning, investigation, documentation and mapping of all potentially relevant sources of discoverable information. DTI employs an elite team of data acquisition experts who have extensive experience planning and executing a defensible process of evidence preservation and collection.

Utilizing responsible and defensible methods is critical during the acquisition of evidence. The consequences of not engaging certified experts in the collection process can be disastrous, resulting in the potential loss of significant time and money, not to mention the case itself. Identification and acquisition of relevant case information are the basic foundation of the matter, which if faulty, can cause the entire case to crumble.

DTI’s team of certified forensic examiners provides insight into complex situations and exercises the most appropriate current and legally defensible methods and processes—along with best-of-breed technology—to ensure the right solution is delivered for each unique matter.

Data Identification

For large matters where concerns arise regarding the acumen of the opposing party or about meet and confer requirements, DTI provides comprehensive data identification services.

  • Consultation – Each project begins by confirming a thorough description of the matter and goals for the collection process with all appropriate parties, internal and external.
  • Data Landscape – Consulting with the IT staff responsible for key system areas containing relevant data helps provide the basis for preservation and collection project plans and prepares counsel for meet and confer conferences.
  • Preservation – Executed quickly and effectively, the goals of this critical step are to (a) take custody and (b) protect the data in a format that does not alter metadata and allows for extraction, should you have to rely on it for review and production.
  • Data Acquisition – Acquisition may be either a full forensic image or a targeted collection, depending on case requirements. Regardless of which method or combination of the two is used, DTI performs acquisition with the utmost care, and only with full documentation including chain of custody.
  • Execution – A detailed project plan is produced and followed to ensure proper and complete execution, following chain of custody and supporting any later needs for testimony to defend the data collection process.

Nationwide Computer Forensics

DTI employs Certified Computer Examiners® (CCE) on its forensics team who are highly skilled investigators trained to execute sensitive evidence-handling procedures. DTI has designed and follows a methodical and defensible approach to collecting and forensically analyzing data—an approach that has been adopted by the industry as a best practice. The rigorous training and strict protocols employed by the DTI team ensure quality that is second to none.

In addition to being Safe Harbor certified, in 2009 DTI achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2005 compliance.