New Forensic Image System Detects Hard-to-find Password Protections; Independence Day Specials Offered Through July

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Fast Disk Acquisition System

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.

Eatontown, NJ (PRWEB) July 10, 2013

Pioneering forensic image system creators at CyanLine, a company specializing in the prevention, detection and investigation of cyber crimes, announced that its cutting-edge Fast Disk Acquisition System (FDAS) can reveal if a suspect’s hard disk is password-protected before hours are spent copying a forensic image. In honor of Independence Day, customers will receive a free Pelican case with the purchase of FDAS throughout the month of July.

Many people are unaware that all hard disks have exceptionally strong password capabilities built into the systems, according to LaptopTips.ca. “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 inventor. “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.” Branigan designed FDAS to alert investigators to password protection, eliminating wasted hours and giving investigators the opportunity to look for a password while they are on site.

FDAS, the breakthrough computer forensic image system, is the only system to collect vital metadata, or ‘data about data.’ This metadata immediately detects that a hard drive has been configured with an ATA password, according to the Swedish Defense Research Agency

“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.”

Suspects may or may not be required to reveal their password depending on state court regulations. According to a recent Denver Post article, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled that a suspect in a Florida case doesn't have to unlock his computer because doing so would violate his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. However, if skilled investigators know that a device is locked, they can either look for the password while on the premises, or use available tools.

As soon as FDAS discovers that the computer disk is password-protected, Branigan suggests technology like PC3000 or Atola Insight be used to unlock it. “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 explained.

With any purchase of FDAS during the month of July, customers will receive a free pelican case for proper storing and prevention of pressure damage to the case, during transportation or when the air pressure in the environment changes. More information is available at 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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