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WildfireData Recovery

Digital Forensics and Evidence Recovery for Owner-Authorised Matters

Owner-authorised digital forensics for computers, phones and storage media, with careful preservation, targeted examination and clear reporting from our Brisbane laboratory.

Every matter begins with authority, purpose and scope. The appropriate approach depends on the device, its condition, encryption, the questions to be answered and how the results may be used.

Digital evidence we can assess

  • Windows and macOS computers.
  • Mobile phones and tablets.
  • Internal and external hard drives.
  • SSDs, USB drives and memory cards.
  • Available files, folders and device artefacts relevant to an agreed scope.
  • Damaged storage that may require recovery before examination.

Matters that may require digital forensics

  • Preserving data before a device is repaired, returned or reused.
  • Locating specific files or available records within an authorised scope.
  • Assessing deletion, formatting or storage failure.
  • Preparing an evidence set for a lawyer, investigator or internal reviewer.
  • Documenting acquisition steps and technical limitations.
  • Separating recoverable data work from broader cyber incident response.

Preserve the device before examination

Avoid browsing through the device, installing software, opening files or changing account settings. Record who possessed it, when the issue was discovered and any actions already taken. Retain chargers, adapters, passwords and recovery keys without sending credentials through an insecure channel.

If the matter involves an active intrusion, ransomware or immediate safety risk, engage an appropriate incident-response or law-enforcement contact. Digital forensics and data recovery do not replace incident containment or legal advice.

Our digital forensics workflow

  1. Authority and scope: we identify the owner or authorised instructing party, devices, questions and intended use.
  2. Intake and documentation: device details, condition, identifiers and handling information are recorded.
  3. Preservation or acquisition: data is captured using an approach appropriate to the device and agreed scope where technically possible.
  4. Targeted examination: relevant recoverable data and available artefacts are examined without expanding beyond the authorised questions.
  5. Validation: results are checked against source data and technical limitations are recorded.
  6. Reporting and handover: findings or extracted material are supplied through the agreed secure process.

Choose the right forensic service

For a computer-specific matter, see computer forensics. For phones and tablets, see mobile phone forensics. If the main problem is failed storage rather than an evidence question, start with our data recovery services.

Digital forensics FAQs

Who can authorise a digital forensic examination?

The owner or another party with lawful authority must instruct the work. Organisational, legal or disputed-access matters may require written authority before intake.

Can deleted information always be recovered?

No. Results depend on the device, storage technology, encryption, later use, overwriting and physical condition. Assessment establishes what data remains available.

What is chain of custody?

It is the documented history of possession, transfer and handling of an item. Tell us at intake if formal continuity records or a particular reporting process are required.

Can you bypass every password or encrypted device?

No. Access depends on the device, security state, available credentials and lawful technical options. Provide known passwords or recovery keys through the agreed secure method.

Will the results be suitable for legal proceedings?

Requirements vary by matter and jurisdiction. Explain the intended use before work begins so scope, documentation and limitations can be discussed with your legal adviser.


Discuss a digital forensic matter

Describe the device, your authority, the questions to be answered and any deadline. We will help define a proportionate scope before examination begins.