PRESS RELEASE: 10-08-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Mark McLaughlin
Computer Forensics International
(310) 277-0660
mjm@cf-intl.com

Computer Forensics Plays A Key Role In War On Terrorism

Los Angeles, CA - October 8, 2001 - "Computer forensic software is undoubtedly playing a key role in our war on terrorism by recovering whole messages or fragments, even if they weren't saved or printed on the PC", says Mark McLaughlin, Computer Forensic Examiner and Expert Witness.

Everything printed or merely displayed, is stored somewhere on the harddrive. This is especially important because it was reported the terrorists even used free public library Internet PCs to access email. Although they're probably not receiving or printing files like Word or Excel, the message text is still stored in hidden areas of the PC.

Overwriting, or copying new data over deleted data, is the only way information is destroyed. But even then, some fragments could remain. "We're always in search of the smoking gun. And if it's there, we'll find it", McLaughlin adds. Forensic software allows experienced examiner's, like McLaughlin, to search large hard drives or network servers for the presence of complete or partial; words, telephone numbers, emails or visited websites.

Mark McLaughlin has amassed nearly 25 years experience in computer forensic analysis, corporate security investigations, information systems management and law enforcement. He's a frequent lecturer, California State Bar qualified instructor for attorneys and resource to news organizations on computer forensics.