FORENSIC INVESTIGATION PROGRAMS

When it comes to forensic investigation, technology is key. The amount of data that can be retrieved from computers, cell phones and other devices is almost limitless, with everything from messages and photos to downloads and files recovered quickly and easily. The software that allows investigators to do this should therefore be chosen very carefully – experts need fast results they can rely on, so trawling through various programs is not ideal. Instead, investigators use these key platforms to make sure they get all the evidence they need in as short a time as possible.

Autopsy

Autopsy is a sophisticated program used by professionals around the globe. National security, large corporations and law enforcement agencies all use Autopsy to help gather evidence and build their cases with ease and speed. The program is intuitive and user-friendly, meaning that you can learn how to use it in next to no time even if you’re a complete beginner. If you’re a first-timer looking for something simple or you need to verify your findings from elsewhere, Autopsy is the perfect solution.

Oxygen Forensic Detective

Oxygen Forensic Detective is an advanced system that can extract data from multiple sources. Oxygen offers a number of valuable tools, including password extraction, deleted data recovery and screen lock bypassing. This powerful software can also present your data using compelling visualization features, allowing you to show key locations, social connections, timelines and more.

Magnet AXIOM

If you have an enormous amount of information to get through or you need as many sources as you can get, Magnet AXIOM is the answer. This platform from Magnet Forensics boasts that it can search through more sources than any other forensic tool, and does so at impressive speed. Few systems are impossible to penetrate with Magnet Axiom, as it can access data from Windows, Mac, Chrome and Linux, as well as Oxygen, Cellebrite and GrayKey.

Forensic Toolkit

Forensic Toolkit (FTK) is hailed as the gold standard for digital forensics. With a range of impressive imaging features and decryption abilities, FTK can locate, manage and filter data at lightning-fast speed. FTK can decrypt files, recover deleted emails and crack passwords from more than 100 applications and offers full support for Apple products that most other tools cannot. Users also benefit from sophisticated malware support, advanced visualization technology and Explicit Image Detection (EID).

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/forensic-investigation-programs/

AUTOPSY

Getting the facts right is important in any situation, but none more so than in legal cases. Putting a case together and establishing the truth for a client who has been wrongfully accused, for instance, relies on stringent fact-checking and authentication. That’s why ICFECI and tens of thousands of others use Autopsy, a powerful tool that validates findings from forensic programs like FTK and Oxygen. The open source digital forensics platform is a fast, thorough, and efficient hard drive investigation solution offering all the core features a forensic investigator needs.

The software is built by Basis Technology, who also offer training, commercial support and add-on modules. Training allows investigators to maximize efficiency and obtain CPE credits, while the subscription-based support grants you access to dedicated engineers providing expert knowledge and timely resolutions. As well as this, users can request custom modules to streamline investigations, access advanced expertise and take advantage of flexible IP models.

Autopsy is designed with ease of use in mind. It’s used by law enforcement, corporate examiners and national security, so making things intuitive and easy to follow is something this program does very well. Everyone wants results fast, and this is another thing Autopsy excels at — the platform runs background tasks in parallel and will show you in minutes if keywords are found on a device. Users can also skip unnecessary, time intensive steps for a less thorough analysis, and you can also prioritize folders and files you are particularly keen to examine.

Perhaps the greatest feature of Autopsy is its affordability. The software is free to use, and provides a sophisticated forensic tool comparable to other commercial programs. In fact, Autopsy offers other features like web artefact analysis that more costly tools do not.

If you’d like to find out more about Autopsy, feel free to contact ICFECI today or download for free on their website.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/autopsy/

WHY BECOME AN INVESTIGATOR?

Choosing a career is no easy feat. If you have different hobbies and interests, narrowing these down and picking one job is daunting. There are so many career paths available to us and so many routes we can take to get there, but ultimately the decision is your own. If you’re interested in becoming an investigator or you’re wondering whether computer forensics is your forte, there are a few things to keep in mind first.

Technical expertise

When you’re working with computers, cell phones and other devices, technical expertise is a must. It doesn’t matter how much you like the idea of a job, if you cannot handle the practicalities and advanced technology involved, you’re not likely to be successful. But if you know your way around a PC or you have the capacity to learn, becoming a forensic investigator will suit you perfectly. If you have the skills, training in computer forensics will be a challenge you can face head on.

Helping others

There are many vocations you can follow if helping others is your priority. From nursing and care work to teaching and charity, there is no shortage of job opportunities where you can make a difference. Fortunately, forensic investigation falls in this category too: your work can be the difference between someone going to jail or keeping their freedom, proving their innocence or living in the shadow of doubt. Your work can change the future of families living without their loved ones, and you can ensure the right person is brought to justice and prevent them from committing more crimes. There is no greater way of helping society than by keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, so if helping others is important to you than forensic investigation is a great career path.

Exciting challenges

Forensic investigation is like a puzzle. You have some clues here and there, but it’s your job to gather the information and put the pieces together. If you enjoy crosswords, sudoku, escape rooms, jigsaws or any game that puts your mind to the test, forensic investigation is the career for you. Those who thrive under pressure, readily accept challenges and get satisfaction from a job well done will no doubt enjoy great success as an investigator.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/why-become-an-investigator/

Are you searching the Private Investigator?

An accused is entitled to adequate representation by investigative services and by counsel under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA). ICFECI is at the forefront in providing expert investigative services indispensable for adequate representation of defendants under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3006A, and Adequate Representation of Defendants.

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/criminal-justice-act-services/ 

5 KEY STEPS INVOLVED IN DIGITAL FORENSIC SCIENCE

Digital forensic science in its simplest terms is the process used for examining and interpreting data that can be found on digital devices such as computers, mobile phones, hard drives, and any other device that has internal memory and communication ability. ICFECI has been providing digital forensic services in Dallas and Fort Worth for many years and are experts in this field.

What is digital forensics used for?

Digital forensics is used as a way to provide evidence in a court of law or in civil proceedings to prove or disprove that a crime took place. It is a vital science when dealing with cybercrime but it can be used to provide evidence in other legal cases involving fraud, criminal investigations, and wrongful convictions too.

The process of digital forensics

As is the case with all sciences, digital forensics involves a structured process of steps that are carried out in a particular order to preserve evidence in its original form. The process occurs in the following order:

1. Identification

To begin, it is important to have a clear understanding of the purpose of the investigation and identify what resources will be needed. From this, investigators then need to identify the evidence, what type of data they are dealing with, and what digital devices the data is stored on.

2. Preservation

Next comes the preservation of the evidence found. This means that that the data has to be isolated and preserved and analysts make sure that the device the evidence was located on remains secure and can’t be used by anybody until the investigation is over.

3. Analysis

At this stage, the evidence has to be analyzed and other searches will be carried out to support the initial evidence found. The digital forensic experts will then draw conclusions from what they have discovered and use all the data they have gathered to support their conclusions.

4. Documentation

Now everything has to be documented. The digital and data evidence will often be documented with images, photos, sketches, and a map or timeline of the crime.

5. Presentation

During the final stage of the process, the evidence and conclusions are presented according to the necessary forensic protocols. The presentation will also include details of the methodologies and procedures carried out to explain the analysis and the conclusions that were reached.

If you or someone you care about needs digital forensic services in Texas or digital forensic services in DFW, contact ICFECI today and let our team of experts assist you.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/5-key-steps-involved-in-digital-forensic-science/

BUSINESS CRIMES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Running a company is a tough job, especially if you have a large team to oversee. While we’d like to think we know and trust our employees, occasionally there are some that surprise us in the worst way. Businesses are often susceptible to criminals stealing information, ideas and money, but there are a number of precautionary measures you can take to prevent this.

Theft

If your place of work stores a lot of products or cash, theft is surely one of the most prevalent crimes affecting your business? Trusting employees with large amounts of money and expensive stock is a risk, but this can be successfully mitigated using CCTV cameras, stock takes and employee monitoring.

Espionage

Business espionage or industrial espionage refers to theft of ideas, data or knowledge. Competitors may place spies in your workforce to acquire trade secrets or technologies without you even realizing. A forensic investigator in Texas can help track your employees’ activity and detect any fraudulent behavior.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves employees using and abusing the company’s funds for their own needs. They may falsely acquire assets or covertly direct money their own way, effectively stealing from the business. Keep a close eye on any employees you suspect are doing this, and make sure there is more than one person dealing with financial matters – one individual should not have all the power and access that would enable them to commit these crimes.

Forgery

Falsifying documents or altering existing ones is a small but hugely illegal act that could cause massive problems for your business. Employees may forge contracts, receipts, deeds and other documents, so be sure to have a stringent verification system in place and keep important paperwork locked away from those who don’t need access.

If you’re looking for a certified fraud examiner or a forensic expert to investigate your employees, contact ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/business-crimes-and-how-to-avoid-them/

How You Can Get Help through Health Care Fraud Investigation Texas?

Led by Dan James, one time Chief Investigator & Certified Fraud Examiner for the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Texas, ICFECI’s team of healthcare fraud examiners investigate cases relating to..

Know more: https://www.icfeci.com/certified-fraud-examiner/health-care-fraud/