With all of the problems associated with the ongoing economic crisis, 2009 should be a big year for computer forensics.  Analysts across the country and around the world will truly have their hands full when it comes to case loads related to eDiscovery.  More than ever before, electronic evidence will need to be located and properly catalogued on an unprecedented scale.

Investigations by the government will increase over 2009 as many more lawsuits related to collapsing companies, banks, and venture capital funds consumes more court time.  High profile scandals and bankruptcies will be put under the microscope as well, while analysts do their best to help figure out what went wrong—and when it actually started to do so.  This can be a tricky task indeed, as the systems used by most companies are proprietary in nature and therefore unique from corporation to corporation.

Corporate America will also be pushing to standardize computer information systems to give more transparency for audits and compliance when it comes to eDiscovery.  Accountability will certainly be a hot-button issue as more information comes to light.  Of course this will make things easier for analysts in the future, but does nothing for the slew of case from 2008 that are still pending awaiting electronic evidence.

With the many cases and challenges that are forthcoming, analysts will need to cross their T’s and dot their I’s, because when it comes to computer forensic work, heavy scrutiny will be placed on the analysts themselves.  The reason for this is that a proper chain of evidence and documentation must be followed to letter for electronic evidence to hold up in court.

Because the level of technological ability of the analyst is far greater than that of the general public, care must be taken when handling evidence.  Anything less creates reasonable doubt about the veracity of said evidence, which could truly make or break a case in this day and age. 

Fortunately, because of all of these obstacles much attention will be placed upon data mapping and storage by major companies and financial institutions for the future.  Whereas private customer data will not be accessible, anything else related to the policies and procedures of a business under investigation would ultimately end up being fair game, depending upon the scope of the case.

By-line:

This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of forensic science careers. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com