It’s no secret that e-discovery has undergone a profound transformation over the past two decades. As a forensic examiner, expert witness, former instructor to law enforcement, licensed private investigator and author, with over 20 years of experience, I have witnessed first-hand the myriad of challenges that e-discovery professionals grapple with each day. The exponential growth of data sources and the resulting data explosion have introduced unprecedented complexities to the identification, preservation, collection and analysis of electronic evidence – often leading to case backlogs which often run up against impending deadlines.
The ever-increasing volume of data originating from diverse sources demands efficient, defensible and reliable data collection methodologies that ensure the integrity and admissibility of evidence at each stage of the process. As this paradigm shift continues to define e-discovery practices, the need for advanced solutions like Ballistic Imager has become more critical than ever before.
In this article, I will aim to highlight several reasons why Ballistic Imager from Detego Global has become a part of Sandline Global’s diversified digital forensics toolkit and why other e-discovery professionals should consider using this tool.
Unparalleled Data Collection Speeds
In the high-stakes world of e-discovery, where deadlines are tight and time is of the essence, Ballistic Imager becomes a strong choice. Traditional data collection methods can be time-consuming and budget-intensive, often contributing to case backlogs. Ballistic Imager, however, accelerates data collection speeds dramatically. At Sandline Global, we’ve successfully acquired 1TB of data in under 15 minutes, a feat that can significantly impact timelines, especially those associated with the collection stage of the e-discovery process.
Defensibility and Efficiency
For e-discovery professionals and legal teams, the defensibility of data collection methodologies is paramount. Ballistic Imager provides a cutting-edge solution for safeguarding the integrity of evidence and its associated metadata. This level of defensibility can be crucial in legal proceedings, providing confidence in the admissibility and reliability of collected data.
Sensitivity and Privacy Concerns
Handling sensitive data in high-pressure, emotionally charged situations is part and parcel of e-discovery. As data privacy concerns grow, it’s crucial for forensic consultants to address these issues with empathy, professionalism, and confidence. Ballistic Imager enables a transparent, secure and privacy-respecting data collection process, helping alleviate concerns about data handling, transportation and storage.
Ease of Use
One of Ballistic Imager’s standout features is its user-friendliness. Forensic consultants can become proficient in the software with minimal training. This ease of use translates to faster deployment in time-sensitive situations.
Forensic Integrity
Ballistic Imager utilizes digital forensics industry-accepted methodologies, ensuring that data collection is forensically sound while minimizing the risk of data tampering, and enhancing the admissibility of evidence in court.
On-Site Deployment
Unlike solutions that require the deployment of agents or complex setup procedures, Ballistic Imager can be easily deployed on-site. This flexibility is critical in situations where devices cannot leave the premises/country or when quick action is necessary.
In the rapidly evolving field of e-discovery, tools like Ballistic Imager offer a defensible, efficient and secure solution that addresses the technical and emotional complexities of data collection. As we continue to navigate the challenges of e-discovery, tools like Ballistic Imager are not just beneficial – they’re becoming essential to staying ahead in this dynamic field.
Written by Robert B. Fried, Senior Vice President, Forensics & Investigation at Sandline Global
With over 22 years of experience in the field of digital forensics and expert services, Robert is a skilled and detail-oriented investigator. He has held leadership positions in data forensics practices for boutique and multinational professional services firms. Robert has served as a Computer Crime Specialist at the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), where he designed and delivered computer forensic and investigative training courses for law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Additionally, he is licensed as a Professional Investigator in Michigan and a Private Investigator in New York and South Carolina. Robert holds a BS and an MS in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven and maintains multiple industry certifications.
Robert is frequently invited to speak at events for the digital forensics, eDiscovery, and private investigator industries, and is a featured guest on podcasts and webinars. He is the author of three books: Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Guide for Defensible & Efficient Processes, Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content, and Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content: Second Edition.