Chain of custody reports let you know every set of hands
that touches your drive from the moment it arrives at a forensic data recovery
lab. These are legally necessary. They also ensure that the engineers working
on your recovery are not able to spread information regarding your data, which
may potentially damage your case; in addition to chain of custody reports, you
should always ask for a nondisclosure agreement. Nearly all forensic labs have all of their
engineers working under a standard nondisclosure agreement, which is great, but
you’ll need a written copy for your lawyer.
How should I pick a forensic data recovery company?
First of all, you should immediately speak to your lawyer regarding your
decision to pursue forensic recovery. He
or she may even prefer to be the company’s main contact; they can speak
legalese while you deal with other matters.
Your lawyer will know what you need from a forensic data recovery
company, and may even have one in mind.
Any company that you consider should have a recent history of forensics
cases, preferably a specific data recovery engineer that you can speak with
directly. It’s preferable that your case
be handled by as few engineers as possible.
Likewise, if you need an expert witness, he should have
worked with many cases before yours. Ask
for a number. You don’t need someone
inexperienced.
Don’t consider cost. If you really need
forensic data recovery or an expert witness, you need to win your case, and you
will invariably pay. $400 an hour is not
uncommon, as well as a sizable retainer.
An expert witness will likely ask for travel expenses as a separate
cost, unless that witness happens to live near the city where the trial is
taking place.