Correspondence as digital material: what an expert can analyze
How technical analysis of correspondence differs from notarial inspection and certification.
What an IT expert does
An expert can examine technical characteristics of digital materials: file structure, metadata, dates, chat exports, attachments, screenshots, possible signs of editing and connections between correspondence and other case documents.
What is outside an IT examination
Notarial certification or preservation of evidence is a separate procedure. A notary records website, email or messenger content in an inspection record. IT expert work can supplement this when a digital trace requires technical assessment.
Why a screenshot may be insufficient
A screenshot shows only an image of the screen and does not always contain information about a message's source, time, participants or integrity. A chat export, original email with headers and application database file provide more information.
What is examined
- file structure and metadata;
- sender and recipient addresses;
- dates, time zones and technical headers;
- consistency between the correspondence and other materials;
- signs of editing or incompleteness in the fragment provided.
How to preserve correspondence
Use the application's built-in export function, save attachments and do not delete original messages. For email, EML or MSG files are preferable.
Limits of the findings
A technical examination can establish characteristics and properties of the data provided, but assessing the credibility of testimony and the legal significance of correspondence is the court's responsibility.
How work with a specialist proceeds
First, the task and available materials undergo a preliminary review. The examination subject, technically appropriate questions, required access and deliverable format are then agreed. If the initial data are insufficient, the specialist identifies in advance which additional files, documents or exports must be preserved.
The final opinion distinguishes the information provided, actions performed, indicators established, limitations and conclusions. This structure makes the reasoning verifiable and enables the document to be used in a formal claim, negotiations or court proceedings.
When to seek advice in advance
The earlier original data are preserved, the lower the risk of loss or alteration. Before reinstalling a system, updating software, clearing logs or handing a device over for repair, it is advisable to discuss how the materials should be recorded.
Tell us
about your task.
Describe the situation and attach the materials. After reviewing your request, we will agree on the examination format, questions, timeframe and cost.