What is Computer Forensics, and how does it relate to Electronic Discovery?
The field of computer forensics involves the locating, collecting, analyzing and authenticating of potential evidence located in computers and digital media storage devices. The protocols that computer forensics consultants have developed to locate hidden or unknown data can be likewise applied to reducing the universe of electronic discovery data to a more manageable sub-set. Using forensics software tools, all data can be reviewed in its native file format, obviating the need for costly file conversion prior to review. All data that falls outside the desired parameters, such as duplicate files, machine-created files, and files outside the pertinent date range of the case can be immediately eliminated. Once the original, broad discoverable universe is culled down to only that data which may likely be responsive, basic review and key word searches using any number of litigation support software programs can further isolate potentially responsive material from the remaining junk. 6.1 Wh
