Challenge:
Our client engaged CRA Forensic Services professionals based on multiple previous engagements where CRA provided exemplary service in a variety of civil litigation matters involving complex technical analysis. Counsel reached out to us after a senior sales account manager for the automotive tool manufacturer abruptly departed for a competitor. We forensically collected and examined the former employee’s work computer to assess whether proprietary company data had been improperly transferred or exfiltrated prior to his departure.
CRA approach:
We examined tens of thousands of forensic artifacts and data files on the computer to locate proprietary data, user interaction with that data, and to establish a timeline of interaction. Our forensic review identified over 300 files containing proprietary sales quotes and customer lists worth in excess of $1 million of sales data for the company. Our team determined that the files had been transferred to eight USB devices, an iPhone, and multiple personal cloud storage and email accounts in violation of the company’s policies. We provided a detailed report, which was leveraged by the client to pursue litigation against both the former employee and his new employer to seek remediation of the misappropriated data. In addition, our expert’s work identified other, previously unknown data repositories, and facilitated further forensic reviews of these data repositories to confirm that no additional copies of sensitive information remained undiscovered.
Client impact:
Throughout the engagement we demonstrated technical expertise, responsiveness, and meticulous attention to detail. Leveraging the full strength of our team from staff to vice president, we delivered actionable insights and commercially practical recommendations, helping the client protect its proprietary information efficiently and effectively while minimizing legal and operational risk.
