How Computer Examinations Can Help You as Employer

By Connor Sullivan | February 23, 2010

In this high-tech world, communication is done 99.999% via electronic devices, which are computers. From individual to corporate communications, from plain messages between workers to complicated ciphers of industrial espionage or money crime, computers are the equipment. Hence the optimum place to unearth proof of employee misdemeanor in almost all aspects is to scrutinize his computer HDD. Whether it is a refurbished computer, a used computer or a new computer, remnants of what he performed using the machine may be analyzed to determine whether he committed malfeasance or not. This discipline of post facto computer examnation is called computer forensics.

Every computer inputs all keystrokes performed in the machine, since it should respond to them as commands. This data is usually stored in the disk in various locations though most may be automatically erased as part of the operating system function. An examination of the computer disks would normally shows traces of these, especially the erased data that have not yet been superimposed by new information. Erasure of information in any program simply means the computer will not open it, but it does not go away unless overwritten, and may be accessed by particular devices to reveal what was thought to be already eliminated.

There are two general bases for computer forensics: when an exiting employee is suspected of misbehavior in maintaining company information restricted during his stay; and if an employee is suspected of underperformance, not devoting his full time to his job. In the former reason, the computer may be secretly examined after the person has left without anybody knowing; but in the latter instance, congtinual computer inspection is the principal way to pinpoint goldbricking employees without negatively influencing employee morale. Otherwise, spying on the employee will be the option, either via electronic gadgets or true spies.

Information obtainable by forensics devices include:

1. Records or portions of files that have been deleted but not superimposed. As stated above, the magnetic composition for the information stays as is unless rearranged by new actions.

2. Roster of erased file titles even devoid of the files. This may indicate the use of unapproved or banned applications.

3. Websites opened, at any browser setting, even if deleted from browser history. Normally recorded in hidden files or unused disk space and traceable in whole or remnants.

4. Accessed or copied Internet data or graphics. Same with the preceding.

5. Non-standard programs or software utilized.

6. Vestigial data in the temporary files, saved or unsaved. Commonly what was being used most lately.

7. Undisclosed files or those guarded by keys. The applications used can crack the passwords or go beyond them.

Corporate studies indicate that around 20% of employee computer time on the job is used for activities not directly related to the work, and this is grossly unfair to the employer. Employee monitoring is thus a method of ascertaining correct employee conduct, but there is also such a thing as employee morale and right to privacy. The trick is obtaining and maintaining a balance between the two rights, and computer forensics is just a method to do it.

Connor Sullivan been searching online for a refurbished computer that his son can take to college. He purchased a used computer to use in his office.

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