Digital evidence and security
Boston Computer Forensics
Computer forensics, expert witness support and security testing for Greater Boston businesses, research teams and counsel.
Start with the question the evidence needs to answer
Research and commercial disputes often depend on more than a document's visible contents. Revision history, repository access, laboratory records and messages may explain when a file existed, who could access it and how it moved. GDF helps Boston-area clients identify those sources before retention settings or routine device reuse alter the record.
A useful scope connects the business question to specific evidence. It also identifies what cannot be established from the available material. Recoverability depends on the device, encryption, provider access and retention history; no examiner can promise that every deleted item will be available.
Evidence priorities in Greater Boston
MassBio's industry reporting documents Massachusetts' life-sciences sector. For a Greater Boston research or technology matter, laboratory systems and collaboration platforms may be as important as conventional computers and email. Their record formats, permissions and audit settings need individual review.
Scope the work to the matter
Research data and intellectual property
Preserve the relevant project versions, source repositories, electronic notebooks and access records. Separate authorship, possession and transfer questions: a file on a device does not by itself establish who created it or whether a trade secret was used. Compare independent records and explain limits in the resulting timeline.
Cloud and distributed custodians
A Boston team may use email, shared storage and messaging platforms administered by different organizations. Identify the correct tenant and account, the available export method and whether a preservation hold has actually been applied. Keep collection logs and reconcile expected sources against what was delivered.
Applications and sensitive workflows
Security testing for a research or software organization should describe the application, user roles, data boundaries and connected services. Agree on test accounts, permitted techniques and handling of sensitive records. Findings should include reproducible evidence, a practical remediation owner and a way to verify the correction.
Services available through GDF
Use the technical service pages for methods, evidence sources and deliverables.
- Computer and hard drive forensics
- Mobile device forensics
- Email and cloud evidence
- Expert witness support
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability assessments
- Application penetration testing
- Incident response
- eDiscovery collections
- Departing employee analysis
- Evidence-aware data recovery
- OT and SCADA security
- AI security consulting
Arrange an evidence or security consultation
For Greater Boston work, describe the project or event, the organizations that administer the records and any device or account scheduled for reuse. If a matter involves counsel, coordinate the scope and communication channel before collecting privileged or confidential material.
Frequently asked
Questions about Boston engagements
Can an examination include electronic laboratory records?
It can, subject to authorized access and the system's export capabilities. Discuss version history, audit trails, attachments, record identifiers and vendor limitations. A PDF export may not contain the metadata needed to answer the question.
Can you review another examiner's findings?
An independent review can examine the available acquisition records, methods, artifacts and reasoning. The scope depends on access to the underlying evidence; reviewing a report alone is not the same as repeating the examination.
Before collecting evidence
For an active incident, call 1-800-868-8189.
Talk with an examiner
Discuss the matter and the next step.
Call to discuss timing, scope and the safest way to share information. Do not send evidence or credentials by email.
24/7 hotline: 1-800-868-8189