Search and seizure orders along with preservation of evidence orders are often approved by the court to ensure critical evidence is not destroyed. Using the element of surprise, digital devices and data can be captured by forensic experts and preserved for future proceedings.
Company data theft is a rising issue, and many companies have a zero-tolerance policy to data theft and how this information is misused by an existing or newly formed competitor. Companies have the power to go to court and request a search and seizure order to retrieve digital evidence. These can be executed at both private properties and the commercial premises of the new or existing competitor to determine what has been stolen and ultimately how that stolen information may have been used.
The takeaway point is that individuals believe they can get away with copying files onto a device, such as a USB stick, having no idea that it could lead to a number of forensic professionals, backed with a court order, surprising you at your personal address to seize and capture data from all your household devices. Upon further court proceedings, the preserved data is then typically investigated to see if and how it has been used for any potential competitive advantage within the marketplace.
If you are a company employing a new member of staff from a competitor who has potentially stolen data, you as the business could find yourself as the respondent of a court order for unknowingly using stolen data. It’s worth noting, however, that there must be clear signs of data theft for a judge to approve the search order due to its invasive process. Ultimately, it is the shock and awe of the search order experts which stops the respondents’ from destroying incriminating data.
Stolen proprietary data could include:
CYFOR are search and seizure experts with 20 years of experience in the collection of data in such a manner. Due to the size and experience of our forensic team, we are often instructed to collect all data onsite, typically at multiple locations concurrently. Upon further instruction, we usually then process this data and set up the data for online review.
Some examples of preservation and collection of data:
CYFOR’s search and seizure team are comprised of internationally experienced, security-cleared digital forensic investigators. We have the ability to be onsite at multiple premises, with a team in the lab remotely accessing storage devices and email accounts concurrently. Adhering to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Guidelines, all exhibits are retained in our forensic chain of custody with sealed evidence bags and evidence listing forms. Our team provide a rapid response and efficient service, ensuring the extraction, preservation and analysis of evidence is to the highest standards in even the most pressurised situations, remaining on site until all data is acquired.
After submitting an enquiry, a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible
Your information will only be used to contact you, and is lawfully in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) act, 2018.