Digital Forensic News & Events

Bringing investigators digital forensics and cybersecurity related news from around the world. #AllinForensics

From Backlog to Breakthrough: Maximizing the Potential of Digital Forensic Evidence

June 9, 2023

In today's digital age, the volume of digital evidence is growing exponentially, leading to backlogs in many forensic labs and investigative agencies.

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What is ESI? Learn about Electronically Stored Information

April 19, 2023

Electronically stored information (ESI) is any data stored or transmitted electronically, including emails, documents, images, video, audio, messages, and other files.

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Uncovering Hidden Evidence: A Brief Guide to E-Discovery

April 5, 2023

Electronic discovery or e-discovery is the process of identifying, collecting, and exchanging electronically stored information (ESI) for a legal case or an investigation [1].

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How Law Enforcement Can Boost Efficiency in Forensic Backlogs

March 29, 2023


Forensic backlog refers to the accumulation of unprocessed forensic evidence that has yet to be analyzed.

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How The ADF Cloud Platform Is Revolutionizing Digital Forensics

March 22, 2023

Forensic examiners, forensic analysts, and law enforcement officers face a critical challenge in processing and analyzing large amounts of digital evidence.

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How to Combat the UK's Growing Forensics Backlog

February 6, 2023

Forensic backlogs are an increasing concern for many law enforcement agencies. Forensic backlogs are an increasing concern for many law enforcement agencies. Agencies must shift from simply collecting digital evidence to effectively analyzing the digital evidence collected. Media analysis is time-intensive and requires training to ensure that all pieces of evidentiary value are identified and processed.

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5 Tips For Collecting Digital Evidence Properly

February 1, 2023

In order for your digital evidence to be used in a court of law you should take care in your evidence collection procedures from digital devices. Best practices for collection are designed to help you maintain the integrity of evidence. Individual agencies may have their own policies and procedures in place but overall general practices may be similar.

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The Current State of Affairs of the UK's Forensic Backlog

January 9, 2023

The United Kingdom is facing a severe absence of forensic processing capacity, leading to a backlog of forensic work requested by law enforcement agencies across the country. Long delays in receiving results can have major implications for the criminal justice system and can leave vital evidence untested, resulting in convictions potentially being overturned or offenders going free. This blog article will discuss the issue of forensic backlogs in the U.K. and the steps that are being taken to reduce them, to the benefit of law enforcement agencies.

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The State of Digital Forensics

December 30, 2022

Digital forensics is an important tool in the fight against crime in the current digital age. It is also a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. In this blog post, we will take a look at the state of digital forensics, and how it is being used to combat crime and solve digital investigations.

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How to Preserve Digital Evidence: The Importance of Data Collection

December 21, 2022

The preservation of digital evidence begins at the crime scene. It is imperative for all parties involved including forensic investigators to take active measures in the preservation and collection of digital evidence. Not only are computer data and digital evidence fragile, but forensic investigators must also consider laws when seizing and accessing electronic devices and the evidence stored in them.

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What is ICCAM?

November 2, 2022

At one time or another, law enforcement agencies find themselves investigating child sexual abuse material. Now more than ever there are a variety of ways in which this material is distributed amongst persons and online. It has become a priority to provide investigators with the tools necessary to identify and report on these materials. 

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3 Reasons Why You Need Police Evidence Management Software

September 21, 2022

As technology continues to change, police departments must look for ways to increase efficiency and management, and one area that requires continuous innovation is police evidence management.

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What is Compassionate Policing?

August 10, 2022

Compassionate policing involves law enforcement engaging with their community through the process of building collaborative relationships, mutual trust and respect, common interests, and a sense of shared responsibility [1]. Continuous exposure to confrontation and work stressors may result in an officer's inability to cope with the pressures, and therefore a loss of compassion when dealing with the public. This can lead to strained relationships with the citizens of the community. Compassionate policing goes beyond just the officers and extends to organizations as a whole. Its ideas and practices may also be applied to digital forensics and incident response.  

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Why Computer Forensics Software is Vital to Digital Evidence Discovery

July 27, 2022

In a technology-dependent society, many of our daily tasks involve an electronic device. Our activity on these devices is stored and can be traced back to its source with the use of computer forensic software. A multitude of crimes are committed in which suspects unknowingly have some trace of evidence left on their electronic devices. This makes digital evidence collection possible. Evidence can come in a variety of forms such as photos, searched items, audio-video files, web history, and more. Even files that have been deleted can often be retrieved again by investigators with the use of computer forensic software. 

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Get the Forensic Data you need With Computer Data Forensics

July 6, 2022

Computer forensic software is a key tool used by forensic investigators during digital evidence collection. This software aims to allow forensic investigators to identify, collect, and analyze data quickly and efficiently. There are two types of computer forensics: network forensics and host-based forensics. Network forensics focuses on the investigation of network traffic and session information. Host-based forensics collects and analyzes individual computer systems [1]. Computer forensic software should provide range and flexibility in its use so that a variety of law enforcement entities and corporate companies can apply it in investigations. ADF’s computer forensic software accomplishes this task, among many others.

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Responsible for a Digital Forensics Budget? 10 Reasons Why to go with ADF

April 19, 2022

Digital forensic investigations can be expensive. The price can range from $2000 to well over $100,000 for forensic tools and training [1].

The most common reasons why digital forensics tends to get expensive are: 

  • inexperienced/untrained users
  • outdated systems
  • challenges with acquiring systems
  • systems that don't talk to one another
  • timing in the collection or reviewing of evidence
  • reporting
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The Value of Digital Evidence in Combatting Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking

March 25, 2022

The Global Forensic and Justice Center hosted a panel on The Value of Digital Evidence in Combatting Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking. The panelists included:

  • Alexandria Wong, Digital Media (DOMEX) Trainer with the Global Forensic and Justice Center and FIU
  • Sondra Skelaney, Gender Violence Prevention Program Coordinator with CASE and FIU
  • Ailsa Slack, Director of Customer Success of ADF Solutions.

The panel focused on the role of technology, forensics, and digital evidence and revolved around four central questions which are highlighted below along with the key points discussed by the panel of subject matter experts.

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Keeping Up to Date With Digital Evidence Investigator PRO

March 15, 2022

When investigating computer crimes and being called on to conduct computer forensics or forensic phone analysis in the field, it is good to be ready for whatever comes your way. One phrase you commonly hear when talking to anyone in the cybercrime arena is “there has to be more than one tool in the toolbox”, and this is a very true statement, no one tool does it all, and all tools do it slightly differently. You do not use a large Phillips screwdriver to remove a small screw from a picture frame and you do not use an eyeglass screwdriver to remove a wood screw, this is because you know your tools and your toolbox.

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How Digital Forensic Tools Can Help You: The Importance of Forensics

February 23, 2022

Digital forensics is the science of recovering files, artifacts, and evidence from digital devices including mobile phones, tablets, computers (including Windows, Mac, and Linux), external drives, drive images, and other media storage (USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.). 

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Solving Financial Crimes: Preparing for a Financial Crime Investigation

February 9, 2022

When starting an investigation we start thinking about what we need or who we need to contact when it comes to specific crime types. As investigators we do this second nature, it is a process that just happens, and if we have never investigated a certain crime it can be overwhelming at times. Specific crimes often need specialized training and have agencies that may need to be contacted for assistance. When it comes to the digital evidence we also start thinking of the steps that need to be taken and how we are going to put things together. Let’s not let this be overwhelming as well.

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Learn Mac Forensics: Mac Boot for M1 and T2 Chips | DFIR for Computers

December 30, 2021

ADF tools have the ability to scan all available Mac computers (M1 and T2 chips) with all types of encryption and virtual drives by running a remote agent that communicates with the desktop application. 

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Preview and Collect Digital Evidence with Mobile Device Investigator

November 17, 2021

With an ever-increasing number of adults owning a smartphone, it is no wonder that more and more crimes now commonly require mobile device evidence collection and analysis. The need for digital forensics tools is increasing around the world. The ultimate field forensics for the front line solution for police, sheriffs, school resource officers, field agents, and investigators. Connect a suspect device via a USB port to quickly collect evidence and perform an advanced logical acquisition (multi-protocol data transfer).

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Learn Digital Forensics Online | ADF Best Practices Webinars of 2021

September 20, 2021

There are many ways to learn digital forensics. From Certified Training to short How-To videos designed to teach you skills in just a few minutes. One of our favorite forms of learning, however, is our one-hour digital forensic best practices webinars led by our Director of Training, Richard T. Frawley. Rich spent 22 years in law enforcement. Most of that time was as a digital forensic analyst. Here are some of our favorite learning webinars from this year:

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Find Anti-Forensic and Dark Web Traces with ADF Triage Software

September 17, 2021

Within ADF software and forensic triage products, including Digital Evidence Investigator, Triage-Investigator, or Triage-G2, an investigator can quickly find Dark Web traces. This can be done in Quick Profiles but in this video, Rich Frawley shows how to use an Intermediate Profile to triage a suspect machine to identify Dark Web traces. These can be found in ADF's Anti-Forensic Traces Capture. 

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How to Have a Digital Forensic Triage Process that Works Field to Lab

August 10, 2021

In this 3-minute "How To" video, you'll learn the benefits of having a digital forensic triage process that works from field to lab. Using ADF digital forensic tools, examiners can prepare field investigators to find digital evidence and intelligence on mobile phones, tablets, computers, and storage devices starting on-scene. 

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Remove an iTunes Password set in ADF Digital Forensics Tools

June 22, 2021

The Encrypt backup feature in iTunes locks and encodes your information. In this short How To video, Director of Training, Rich Frawley shows investigators how to remove the known iTunes backup password, if required.

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macOS Forensics: Live Scan Macs with T2 or M1 chips

May 18, 2021

Investigators can now scan all available Mac computers (including macs with T2 or M1 chips) with all types of encryption and virtual drives by running a remote agent that communicates with the desktop application. Now you can perform digital forensic triage on all Macs including

  • macOS T2 chip
  • macOS M1 chip
  • Mac Fusion Drive
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What is On-Scene Digital Forensic Triage?

March 30, 2021

Digital Forensic Triage is the process of finding digital evidence important for investigations.

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Define Files to Collect Digital Evidence (Updated in 2022)

November 2, 2020

When collecting digital evidence, speed is often the name of the game, such as when you are serving a search warrant, dealing with a mass casualty incident, working a consent search, or trying to ascertain where to focus your efforts when dealing with multiple devices. When dealing with these types of use cases, one-dimensional or one size fits all evidence collection, will not pass muster and you need the ability to cut through the noise and get to the relevant information fast. 

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Prepare Evidence Collection Keys for a Digital Forensic Investigation (Updated in 2022)

October 6, 2020

Getting ready to work off site, out of the lab, out of your office, and in someone else's domain is never an easy task. Whether it's a search warrant, in a client's office, suspect's residence, or some other off-site location, being prepared is the key to your success as a digital forensic investigator.

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Digital Forensics Africa Conference and Training: Computer & Mobile

September 16, 2020

ADF Authorized Partner, First Digital & Techno-Law Forensics and the Computer Forensics Institute of Nigeria are hosting the International Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics Conference & Training Expo as a virtual edition.

The conference, also known as DIGIFOR2020 will be held September 23-25, 2020 and will feature sessions including:

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Entity Extraction, Keywords and Classification of Images and Videos (UPDATED JULY 2022)

September 14, 2020

ADF prioritizes digital evidence collection and provides investigators and examiners post-scan options to speed investigations. Post scan options let digital forensic investigators get fast and relevant evidence to make decisions on-scene and in the forensic lab.

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How to Prepare a Sanitized CSAM Report (UPDATED August 2022)

August 20, 2020

Learn how to easily remove CSAM images and other properties from view

One of the most important factors in a child exploitation investigation, is having the ability to show a report to a colleague, co-worker, prosecutor, or present to present your findings in court without re-victimizing the subject of the photo, or shocking the sense of the viewer of the report. Having a professional report that still reflects the properties that need to be presented is essential to your case.

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Using PhotoDNA in Digital Forensics Investigations (Updated in 2022)

August 13, 2020

Digital Forensic Investigators and Examiners need to be able to find evidence quickly and one of the ways that ADF provides this capability is using PhotDNA. 

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What is Computer Triage? (Updated in 2022)

June 30, 2020

As digital technology becomes more advanced, the potential for its criminal application is magnified. This can result in overwhelming amounts of digital data for law enforcement to inspect in a limited timeframe. Although opportunities to find digital evidence on a perpetrator's or victim's computer may be numerous, the time it takes to search through such vast quantities of data contributes to the issue of growing forensic backlogs. 

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Everything You Need to Know about ADF Search Profiles

May 7, 2020
Speeding digital forensic investigations has been ADF's focus since 2005 when we filed our first patent application which focused on the creation of Search Packs that could be edited for rapid data identification, data sharing and management. 
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Collect Web Credentials: Quick Saved Credentials Search Profile

May 6, 2020

Learn how to use the ADF Quick Saved Credentials Profile to uncover Web credentials in this short video tutorial. Collecting saved credentials quickly gives investigators access to accounts that may have previously been unknown and allows investigators to request preservation orders and search warrants.  

ADF's Quick - Saved Credentials profile is a powerful digital forensic triage profile that extracts the usernames and passwords from Web Browsers. It is the only Search Profile that may trigger the anti-virus on the machine.

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Android & iOS Digital Forensics for the Field: MDI 

April 14, 2020

One year ago today, we launched Mobile Device Investigator (MDI), ADF’s powerful mobile phone forensic software that allows anyone, from seasoned investigators to non-technical team members, to quickly conduct iOS and Android investigations in the field. Using MDI, investigators can acquire evidence fast and return devices to cooperating witnesses on-scene, and triage devices that need to be seized and brought back to the forensic lab. 

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7 Tips for Reducing Your Forensic Backlog

April 8, 2020

Today’s investigators and prosecutors are very familiar with the extreme difficulty in child exploitation cases: getting through your forensic backlog to get to the data in time. Law enforcement officers routinely report that a lack of technology which, combined with stringent time limits, can severely restrict their ability to check devices in a timely manner. ADF understands that digital forensic examinations can be both costly and time-consuming, which hampers investigations into suspects that have downloaded or participated in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

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Fighting In-House Backlog with Triage

March 30, 2020

It's a known issue that many agencies and departments are facing worldwide; how to fight and reduce backlog to stay up to date on cases so that they don't get stale. It's a serious issue, but we at ADF can show you a few ways to fight in-house forensic backlog with digital forensic triage.

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What is RAM Capture and Why does it Matter?

March 19, 2020

RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is physical hardware that temporarily stores data for quick read and write access. Think of RAM as a scratch pad you use while working; although all the information you need and may refer to is stored in a binder (in this analogy, your hard drive), the information on the scratch pad is what you are using and need right in the moment. With RAM, it is right there for you to access. While RAM helps with the speed and efficiency of the computer, it can all be lost in an instant as it is volatile.

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What is CAID: The Child Abuse Image Database in the UK

March 18, 2020

The Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) is the United Kingdom’s national system used by law enforcement to help fight the growing problem of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The system helps police detect, flag and analyse illegal digital media images. 

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What is CSAM? Key Terminology in the Fight Against Child Exploitation

March 4, 2020

Child pornography- more properly identified as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). It’s appalling that there is a need for a definition for this kind of material. U.S. Federal Law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor- meaning any person less than 18 years old. 

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Digital Forensics at the California Homicide Investigation Conference

March 2, 2020

Nearly 1,000 homicide investigators from across California gathered this week at the 51st annual California Homicide Investigator (CHIA) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 3-day training event, sponsored by ADF, featured case presentations and investigator training from leading prosecutors and investigators. 

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The Power of ADF Computer Triage

February 27, 2020

ADF computer triage has long been admired for some of the best digital forensic triage capabilities on the market. Since 2006, ADF digital forensic experts have been building triage tools to empower investigators to quickly collect evidence and on-scene intelligence from computers and digital devices.

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Backing Up and Scanning iOS Devices

February 18, 2020

In this how-to video, we will cover backing up and scanning encrypted iOS devices. This skill is important to know because encrypted iOS backups return more data than unencrypted backups.

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How To Add Keywords On Scene

January 31, 2020

Looking to add key words on-scene? ADF has you covered. In this how-to video, investigators and analysts will learn how to add keywords directly from the Collection Key. As a digital evidence investigator, ADF provides the ability to create a collection key with or without Search Profiles and add keywords just before the start of a scan.

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Creating a Collection Key without Search Profiles

January 23, 2020

Our digital forensic specialist knows that as someone who used to go out and execute search warrants and conduct knock and talks, the ability to overcome and adapt on-scene is vital to a successful outcome. In this how-to video, Rich explains how to create a Collection Key without Search Profiles and how to add keywords prior to starting a scan from the Collection Key. 

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ADF Announces New Digital Forensic Software Versions 5.1.0 and 2.1.0

January 22, 2020

ADF Solutions Releases New Digital Forensic Software to Power Field Investigations

Triage digital evidence with a single license for smartphones, tablets, and computers

ADF Solutions, the leading provider of automated forensic software for investigators and lab examiners, today announced new software versions for Digital Evidence Investigator, Triage-InvestigatorTriage-G2, and Mobile Device Investigator software.

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Explaining the Settings Page

January 14, 2020

This blog post will feature our Settings page, and tips and tricks to understanding it. The first thing users will notice on the settings page is the Backed-Up Licenses. This displays all licenses that have been backed up on this computer. When selecting a license it will display all the information pertaining to that license and also enable users to delete the license from the backed up licenses folder. Additionally, the information here can be used when making a support call or using the support portal.

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ADF Introduces the Culture Code

January 8, 2020

We could have just written a mission statement. Maybe we’d throw in some core values, and hit you with some motivational quotes from great thought leaders. We could have done that, but that’s not the ADF way. ADF is an innovator, so we took those ideas and went further. Meet our Culture Code: a living, breathing set of standards, principles, values, and goals that we put our hearts and souls into as a team, because we are #AllinForensics

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How-To Image on a Boot and Live Scan

January 6, 2020

Our newest How-To video will cover how to image from either the Desktop tool or the USB device (Collection Key) on a Boot and Live Scan. 

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How ADF Tools Identify Files

December 30, 2019

When using ADF tools to collect files, either by File Properties, Hashes, or Keywords, ADF tools provide  three methods for file identification:

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How to Scan Multiple Devices

December 19, 2019

With ADF digital forensic software tools, it's possible to scan multiple devices simultaneously and have them as part of one scan. However, there are some items we need to keep in mind when preparing to scan multiple devices.

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ADF as an Innovator in Digital Forensic Software

December 12, 2019

Triage- the word is normally associated with hospitals, where doctors and nurses prioritize patients’ treatments based on the severity of their condition. The concept has been around since the Napoleonic wars and is responsible for saving innumerable lives ever since.

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Archiving with the Standalone Viewer

December 11, 2019

Once you have completed your investigation and need to archive your case, the most efficient method is to use the Stand Alone Viewer, which can be found within the reporting module. This viewer provides an all-in-one solution that includes a self-contained folder with a standalone application that gives you the ability to view the results. It is independent of the ADF suite of tools and does not require a license to use. By using the Stand Alone Viewer, you can be sure that all tags, comments, filters, and sorting will be included in the output. Please note that it is not possible to run the Stand Alone Viewer from read-only storage devices such as CDs or DVDs.

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Transferring Data With the ADF Migration Tool

December 2, 2019

Software updates are something we look forward to, and when we receive that new download from our go-to tool, it makes the day even more special.  When it comes time to upgrade or re-install ADF software, as a user, you do not want your data to be lost after either the software upgrade or when selecting a new Search Profile folder.

When you first start the ADF application you will notice the tool will look to see if any new data needs to be merged or migrated.

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How to Use ADF Photo Probability to Speed Your Investigation

November 25, 2019

In today's digital age, the sheer volume of photo evidence available can be staggering.

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How to Hide Default Search Profiles in ADF Digital Forensic Software

October 23, 2019

ADF digital forensic software comes with approximately a dozen out-of-the-box default search profiles designed to make it quick and easy for non-technical field investigators to quickly search for digital evidence. 

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Collect and Share Digital Evidence Files with Prosecutors

October 7, 2019

In this short How To video, digital forensic specialist Rich Frawley, will show you how to collect and share digital evidence files with prosecutors and third parties using ADF Software. This video is ideal for learning how to share evidence with prosecutors for review. 

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How to Boot Scan a Mac with APFS and FileVault 2

September 24, 2019

In this short 4-minute Mac forensics "How To" video, ADF forensic specialist, Rich Frawley, shows you how to conduct a boot scan of a MacBook Air with APFS & FileVault2 enabled.

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How to Install Digital Evidence Investigator and DEI PRO Offline

September 13, 2019

Digital Evidence Investigator is built for front-line field investigators and lab examiners who need to do digital forensic investigations on Mac, Linux, or Windows. Combined with Mobile Device Investigator, Digital Evidence Investigator PRO gives you all the best computer forensic capabilities along with iOS and Android mobile forensics in a single affordable forensic tool. 

In this short video ADF's Digital Forensic Specialist, Rich Frawley, demonstrates the installation process for DEI and DEI PRO, on an offline computer that does not have Internet access. You can refer to our Technical Specifications for minimum requirements and supported Operating Systems.

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How to Install Digital Evidence Investigator and DEI PRO Online

September 11, 2019

Digital Evidence Investigator is built for front-line field investigators and lab examiners who need to do digital forensic investigations on Mac, Linux, or Windows. Combined with Mobile Device Investigator, Digital Evidence Investigator PRO gives you all the best computer forensic capabilities along with iOS and Android mobile forensics in a single affordable forensic tool. 

In this short video ADF's Digital Forensic Specialist, Rich Frawley, demonstrates the installation process for DEI and DEI PRO, on a computer that has Internet access. You can refer to our Technical Specifications for minimum requirements and supported Operating Systems.

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Investigate: Files Referenced by Artifact Records

September 4, 2019

Fast investigations require rapid access to evidence. ADF software enables investigators to quickly view the links of artifacts captured from a target device so you can easily understand a user's activities. 

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