Digital forensics

Digital forensics refers to the use of technology to analyse electronic information stored on PCs and smart devices. Digital forensics is widely used for collecting the necessary data when cooperating with judicial and overseas regulatory authorities during an investigation.

Digital devices, including PCs and smartphones, are used in most cases of fraud that occur today, and digital forensics is often the breakthrough in the resolution of such cases. Some examples of cases where digital forensics is especially effective include industrial espionage involving the theft of trade secrets for use by a competitor in Japan and abroad, or the concealment of data and destruction of digital evidence. During the investigation process, we accumulate a variety of information as evidence. The methods we use to do so include restoring deleted files and internet browsing histories, and confirming the use of external recording media. Digital forensics technology can be applied in other situations as well. We expect to use this technology to solve an even wider variety of problems in the future.

By applying digital forensics to our existing investigative methodologies, PwC’s forensic services practice provides greatly expanded investigative capabilities. This enables us to provide not only information, but high-quality intelligence.

Uses of digital forensics include

• investigating information leakage (industrial espionage, theft of confidential information etc.),

• analysing mobile devices,

• restoring deleted data, and

• investigating compliance and policy violations.