Data365 Evidence
structured technical review (when separately retained) Preservation & media assessment Evidence Handling
Boston-based, serving clients nationwide by appointment
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Overview
Overview
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Evidence Preservation Litigation Hold Data Acquisition Chain of Custody Device Forensics Cloud Evidence Defensible Documentation Expert Advisory
Engagement Process
Engagement Overview Process Intake Checklist Email Intake Prep Checklist Preservation Workflows Priority Preservation Pathway After Preservation Core Overview Forensic Methodology Scope FAQ Fees & Billing
Documentation Standards
Chain of Custody: Foundational Principles Chain of Custody in Civil Litigation Evidence Types Preservation vs. Forensic Analysis Deliverables & Documentation Standards Glossary Secure Storage, Retention & Destruction Access Control & Custody Integrity Conflict & Neutrality Policy Privacy & Data Handling Standards References Security & Governance Overview Sample Documents eDiscovery Readiness Remote Evidence Preservation All standards & guides
Insights
View all insights Why Evidence Preservation Matters Ransomware Incident: Preservation Legal & Insurance Matters Sony Pictures Cyber Incident Colonial Pipeline Ransomware When Evidence Is Lost What Chain of Custody Means in Civil Litigation
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About Data365 Engagement Model
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Professional evidence pages

Clear scope. Conservative claims. Documented handling.

These pages explain how Data365 Evidence approaches evidence-related work and what boundaries apply before engagement.

Start an Intake Email Boris@data365evidence.com

Operating Principles

  • Integrity First: Original media is treated as sensitive evidence. Work is performed on documented working copies whenever feasible to reduce risk to source material.
  • Repeatability: Handling and preservation steps are logged so processes and results can be explained, reviewed, and, where appropriate, reproduced.
  • Scope Control: Engagement begins only after written scope, authorization, and handling terms are established.
  • Conservative Language: No representations are made regarding investigative outcomes, legal admissibility, or recovery results.
  • OSINT & Publicly Available Information Preservation: Services may include preservation of publicly available online information relevant to a matter, including structured searches, collection of public documents, metadata capture, and documentation of accessible online content. No access to private accounts, credential use, circumvention of controls, or security bypassing is performed.
Legal note: Data365 Evidence is not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice. Any confidentiality, retention, or privilege expectations must be set by written agreement and coordinated with counsel.

Core Principles of Digital Evidence Preservation

These foundational guides are written for early-stage, preservation-first handling—before expert analysis and before case strategy is fully formed. They focus on authorization, scope, documentation discipline, and defensible transfer so later review remains reliable and neutral.

Services Within Scope

  • Media assessment: condition/risk screening, recommended handling path, and clear “do not do” guidance.
  • Evidence-aware documentation: receipt notes, identifiers, and process logs appropriate to the engagement.
  • Verification: cryptographic hashing and consistency checks for provided images or exports.
  • Analysis and reporting: structured findings tied to case questions, with limitations explicitly stated.
  • Cloud-based data capture: authorized collection of cloud-hosted account data via provider export/admin tools or approved APIs, with preservation of available metadata and documented verification.

Typical deliverables

  • Written assessment summary and scope recommendation
  • Forensic analysis report (method, findings, limitations)
  • Supporting exports as agreed (e.g., timelines, file listings)

Out of Scope

  • Password bypass, device unlocking, or covert acquisition
  • “Live” alterations of client systems without written authorization and documented purpose
  • Marketing claims such as “court-suitable for recordkeeping designed to supportd”
  • Consumer photo-recovery services that are not evidence-driven (referrals available)

Evidence Handling Constraints

Some media conditions inherently limit options (fragility, encryption, prior handling, firmware failure). Where constraints exist, they are documented and communicated before deeper work proceeds.

Engagement Steps

  1. Preliminary intake: case context, deadlines, media description, and objectives.
  2. Screening response: clarifying questions, risk flags, and proposed scope options.
  3. Written terms: scope, fees, confidentiality, handling/transport rules, and deliverables.
  4. Execution: documented workflow and periodic status updates.

If you are under deadline pressure, note it clearly in the first email (include the exact deadline (date/time) and jurisdiction where relevant).

FAQ

Do you provide testimony?

When appropriate and under written engagement, reporting can be prepared in a format that supports review by counsel. Any testimony-related work is discussed explicitly during scoping.

Can you accept evidence shipped or dropped off?

Yes, under written handling terms. Intake determines the appropriate transfer method and documentation requirements.

Is my inquiry confidential?

Communications are treated discreetly. Formal confidentiality, retention, and scope terms are established in writing prior to engagement.

Related guides

Helpful pages for attorneys, insurers, and compliance teams.

Evidence Preservation vs. Forensic Analysis

Clarifies a common point of confusion for attorneys and insurers: early-stage preservation vs later expert analysis.

Open the guide