Uncovering Corporate Data Theft with Forensic Disk Recovery

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Uncovering Corporate Data Theft with Forensic Disk Recovery

Uncovering Corporate Data Theft with Forensic Disk Recovery

Client Background:

Our client a prominent technology firm, faced a severe data breach when sensitive corporate information, including confidential project plans and client lists, was leaked to a competitor. Suspecting internal involvement, the company needed a reliable method to investigate the breach and identify the source of the leak. To address this, the client engaged ECS Infotech’s forensic disk recovery services to uncover the truth behind the unauthorized data access.

Challenges:

The investigation presented several challenges, including pinpointing the source of unauthorized access within a complex corporate network. Key evidence had been deliberately deleted from the suspect’s computer, necessitating forensic hard drive recovery to restore the missing files. Additionally, securing digital evidence for legal proceedings required strict adherence to forensic protocols to ensure the integrity and admissibility of the findings.

Approach:

ECS Infotech’s forensic experts employed a systematic approach to tackle the data theft investigation:

  1. Imaging and Preservation of Evidence:

    The team began by creating forensic disk images of the suspect’s computer and other relevant devices, preserving the data without altering the original evidence.

  2. Forensic Disk Recovery and Analysis:

    Using advanced forensic hard drive recovery tools, ECS Infotech’s team meticulously analyzed the disk images to uncover traces of unauthorized access and deleted files. The forensic disk recovery process revealed critical data, including documents and communications that had been deleted to cover up the data theft. By examining file metadata, the team was able to reconstruct the timeline of deletions and data transfers, providing clear evidence of the suspect’s actions.

  3. Identification of Unauthorized Access:

    Further analysis of system logs and network activity revealed that the suspect had used unauthorized credentials to access restricted areas of the corporate network. The forensic hard drive recovery uncovered traces of external device usage, pointing to the transfer of sensitive data. The investigation also identified suspicious logins from the suspect’s workstation, which correlated with the times when the data was accessed and deleted.

  4. Securing Evidence for Legal Proceedings:

    ECS Infotech documented all findings in detailed forensic reports, including screenshots, timelines, and technical explanations of how the suspect accessed and deleted the data. The reports were prepared to meet legal standards, ensuring that the evidence was credible and admissible in court.

Results:

ECS Infotech’s forensic disk recovery efforts successfully identified the suspect as the source of the data leak. The recovered deleted files and logs of unauthorized access provided undeniable evidence of corporate data theft. As a result, client was able to take legal action against the employee, leading to a successful prosecution for data theft and breach of trust.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of forensic hard drive recovery in addressing corporate data theft. ECS Infotech’s expertise in forensic disk recovery not only helped client identify the perpetrator but also ensured that the evidence was preserved and presented in a legally admissible format. The investigation provided valuable insights into the firm’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future data breaches. ECS Infotech’s role in this case underscores their capability as a trusted partner in forensic investigations and cyber defense.