Computer Forensics Expert Reviews Files Containing Stolen Trade Secrets

This case involves trade secrets that were stolen from a consumer software company by an employee and sold to a competitor. The employee allegedly used a USB key to transfer the information to the competitor and stored the information in the form of an excel spreadsheet. An expert in computer forensics was sought to review the USB key and files in question to determine the source of where the information on the spreadsheet came from.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your digital forensics experience.

2. Will you be able to identify where the data on the excel spreadsheet came from? How would one do this?

Expert Witness Response E-037754

I work in a professional digital investigative unit that provides expert services in the areas of computer forensics, mobile device forensics, high-tech investigations, electronic discovery, data recovery, and mobile device investigations. In order to identify the data, It will depend on what 3rd party app, what type of device this is on, and so on. There may be a metadata that can be recoverable from the spreadsheet that may help assist in determining where the data came from. I would first image the device and forensically analyze the data in question. I will ensure that any and all digital evidence and data recovered will be appropriately collected, according to legal specifications to be admissible in a court of law. We will also establish a sound chain of custody of the evidence to ensure evidence integrity.