Cutting-edge Forensic Image System Cuts Wasted Time by Sensing Hard Drive Password Protections

The pioneering Fast Disk Acquisition System (FDAS) by CyanLine is the first forensic image system available to tell investigators if a computer’s hard disk is password-protected. Customers offered free Pelican Case through July with FDAS purchase
By: www.cyanline.com
 
EATONTOWN, N.J. - July 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Groundbreaking forensic image system inventors at CyanLine announced that its new Fast Disk Acquisition System (FDAS) is the only device on the market that can detect if a suspect’s hard disk is password-protected before hours are wasted copying an inadequate forensic image. Specializing in the prevention, detection and investigation of cyber crimes, CyanLine will honor the Independence Day season by offering customers a free Pelican Case with any FDAS purchase through July.

According to LaptopTips.ca, many people are oblivious to the remarkably robust password capabilities built into computer systems. . “If suspects set this password, they can make the hard drive totally inaccessible and useless to forensic investigators,” said Steven Branigan, CyanLine CEO and FDAS creator. “Investigators think they are making an image, but when they get back to the lab they find disks’ files filled with zeros, leading most to assume the image is corrupted. This can require a new warrant and yet another futile attempt to make a image.” The forensic image system was intricately designed by Branigan to forewarn investigators that password protections exist so they can eliminate unproductive hours by searching for passwords on site.

Unlike existing technologies, FDAS is the only forensic image system to collect crucial metadata, or ‘data about data.’ The Swedish Defense Research Agency states that this metadata detects if a hard drive was constructed with an ATA password, a security feature that blocks others from copying data inside the computer.

“The bottom line is that FDAS saves investigators a huge amount of time,” Branigan said. “Instead of investigators wasting hours copying blank images or debating if a disk is broken, they can learn right off-the-bat if a password exists, and spend those key hours trying to unlock it and get closer to convicting a suspect.”

Varying by state court regulations, suspects may or may not be required to disclose their passwords. A recent Denver Post article publicized that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled that a suspect in a Florida case did not have to unlock his computer because doing so would violate his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. Nevertheless, if investigators are aware that a device is locked, they can seek the password on the premises or use available tools to find the evidence needed to crack and close a case faster.

Once the new forensic image system reveals that a hard disk is password-protected, Branigan recommends unlocking it with technology such as PC3000 or Atola Insight. “In order to make a meaningful forensic image of a password-locked hard drive, you must first unlock it. Otherwise, you will not be able to retrieve any forensic data.” Branigan advised.

With any FDAS purchase throughout the month of July, customers will recieve a free Pelican Case for proper storing and prevention of case damage when in transit or when air pressure changes in the environment. For more information, visit http://www.cyanline.com.

About CyanLine

Based in New Jersey, CyanLine specializes in computer forensics and network security solutions to help individuals, companies, law firms and law enforcement agencies on both a domestic and international level. Serving both victims of high-tech cyber crime, providing services in both a professional and confidential manner that is client-focused and results-driven. Designed with state-of-the-art technology, CyanLine’s products work to deliver quality, reliable results.

Forensic scientist and licensed private investigator, Steven Branigan, CEO, has made it his mission to create forensically sound products to advance the investigative industry. Renowned speaker and instructor, Branigan is an active member in the High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA), Federal Bureau Investigation’s Infragard, New Jersey License Private Investigators Association, and on the Digital Forensics Certification Board. Branigan is the author of High Tech Crimes Revealed and recently published an article in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. Branigan has received awards from the U.S. Secret Service and New Jersey State Police.
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