Computer Forensics Assistance to Human Resources/Employment Proceedings
Computer forensics analysis is becoming increasingly useful to businesses. Computers can contain evidence in many types of human resources proceedings, including sexual harassment suits, allegations of discrimination, wrongful termination claims, and others. Evidence can be found in electronic mail systems, on network servers, and on individual employee's computers. However, due to the ease with which computer data can be manipulated, if the search and analysis is not performed by a trained computer forensics specialist, it could likely be thrown out of court.
Employer Safeguard Program
As computers become more prevalent in businesses, employers must safeguard critical business information. An unfortunate concern today is the possibility that data could be damaged, destroyed or misappropriated by a discontented individual. Our Employer Safeguard Program (ESP) is designed to protect employers in the event that an individual's employment must be terminated for cause. Before an individual is informed of their termination, a computer forensic specialist would come on-site and create an exact duplicate of the data on the individual's computer. In this way, should the employee choose to do anything to that data before leaving, the employer is protected. Damaged or deleted data can be replaced, and evidence can be recovered to show what occurred. This method can also be used to bolster an employer's case showing the removal of proprietary information, or to protect the employer from false charges made by the employee.
Choosing a computer forensics specialist for a civil case
When you require the services of a computer forensics specialist, don't be afraid to shop around. There are an increasing number of people who claim to be experts in the field. Look very carefully at the level of experience of the individuals involved. There is far more to proper computer forensic analysis than the ability to retrieve data, especially when a case could go to court.
The bottom line is you will be retaining the services of an individual who will likely be called to testify in court to explain what he or she did to the computer and its data. The court will want to hear that individual's own level of training and experience, not the experience of their employer. The experience should be specifically in computer forensics, not only in computer science, as skill with computers does not translate to forensic expertise. Make sure you find someone who not only has the expertise and experience, but someone who will stand up to the scrutiny and pressure of cross examination.
