electronic discovery
Home > Financial Services Information Security Definitions - Electronic discovery
SearchFinancialSecurity.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

electronic discovery


Show me everything on Electronic data discovery compliance


Word of the Day


DEFINITION - Electronic discovery (also called e-discovery or ediscovery) refers to any process in which electronic data is sought, located, secured, and searched with the intent of using it as evidence in a civil or criminal legal case. E-discovery can be carried out offline on a particular computer or it can be done in a network. Court-ordered or government sanctioned hacking for the purpose of obtaining critical evidence is also a type of e-discovery.

The nature of digital data makes it extremely well-suited to investigation. For one thing, digital data can be electronically searched with ease, whereas paper documents must be scrutinized manually. Furthermore, digital data is difficult or impossible to completely destroy, particularly if it gets into a network. This is because the data appears on multiple hard drives and because digital files, even if deleted, can be undeleted. In fact, the only reliable way to destroy a computer file is to physically destroy every hard drive where the file has been stored.

In the process of electronic discovery, data of all types can serve as evidence. This can include text, images, calendar files, databases, spreadsheets, audio files, animation, Web sites and computer programs. Even malware such as viruses, Trojans and spyware can be secured and investigated. Email can be an especially valuable source of evidence in civil or criminal litigation, because people are often less careful in these exchanges than in hard copy correspondence such as written memos and postal letters.

Computer forensics, also called cyberforensics, is a specialized form of e-discovery in which an investigation is carried out on the contents of the hard drive of a specific computer. After physically isolating the computer, investigators make a digital copy of the hard drive. Then the original computer is locked in a secure facility to maintain its pristine condition. All investigation is done on the digital copy.

E-discovery is an evolving field that goes far beyond mere technology. It gives rise to multiple legal, constitutional, political, security and personal privacy issues, many of which have yet to be resolved.

Getting started with electronic discovery
To explore how e-discovery is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:
E-discovery and litigation guide: Electronic discovery and litigation concerns are serious responsibilities for IT staff members. Learn how to tackle them with this guide.
Before there is ever a need to comply with an e-discovery request, there are several tasks that information security professionals should perform. This tip discusses how to prepare for electronic discovery services.
As data volumes grow, it's increasingly difficult to locate relevant data. Data must be retained longer, and storage users cannot be counted upon to intuitively locate documents, spreadsheets or other data. Stephen J. Bigelow explores electronic discovery product purchase considerations.
School districts face a mandate to keep electronic information accessible for electronic discovery and public records searches. But for many public schools, confusion about the legal requirements and a lack of funding present roadblocks to data compliance.
E-discovery: A primer for financial organizations
Do you have questions about e-discovery? In this tip you will learn what e-discovery is, why it is important, how it applies to your organization, and what you should be doing about it.

Learn more about Electronic data discovery compliance
E-discovery: A primer for financial organizations: E-discovery has led to some confusion at financial firms. This primer by Forsythe analyst Clyde Hewitt answers the questions you may have.
Web 2.0 and e-discovery: Risks and countermeasures: Employees often love social networking services, but the data employees may provide to those services can put an enterprise at risk, especially when litigation calls for that data.
Chapter excerpt: The Art and Practice of Presenting Testimony as an Expert Technical Witness: Here you'll find a sample chapter from a guide giving forensic testimony.
E-discovery: A primer for financial organizations: E-discovery has led to some confusion at financial firms. This primer by Forsythe analyst Clyde Hewitt answers the questions you may have.

LAST UPDATED: 13 May 2009

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web:
- Michael R. Arkfield outlines the basics of e-discovery.
- Lawyer Lounge provides links to further information.





FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #


RELATED CONTENT
E-discovery: A primer for financial organizations
E-discovery has led to some confusion at financial firms. This primer by Forsythe analyst Clyde Hewitt answers the questions you may have.
Chapter excerpt: The Art and Practice of Presenting Testimony as an Expert Technical Witness
Here you'll find a sample chapter from a guide giving forensic testimony.
Updated records retention laws met with skepticism
Amendments to rules governing electronic discovery are met with criticism by lawyers and compliance officers at a records retention event in NYC.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP)  (SearchFinancialSecurity.com)
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) are rules that specify procedures for civil legal suits within United States federal courts... (Continued)




electronic discovery White Papers by Financial Security Experts
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008 - 2010, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts