PRESS RELEASE: 04-15-02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Computer Forensics Can Make Or Break Sexual Harassment Claims

Los Angeles, CA - April 15, 2002 - "Computer forensics is playing an ever increasing role in proving, or disproving, claims of sexual harassment in the workplace", says Mark McLaughlin, Computer Forensic Examiner and Expert Witness, who'll be a featured speaker at the California Association of Black Lawyers Annual Meeting, Friday, April 19th at 11AM at the Doral Palm Springs Resort, Palm Springs, CA.

Once a tool only available to law enforcement, attorneys are learning that everything printed or merely displayed, is stored somewhere on a computer's harddrive. Overwriting or copying new data over deleted data, is the only way information is destroyed. But even then, some fragments could remain.

Recently a large firm asked him to examine a manager's and accuser's PC for pornographic material. "I phoned the attorney and reported everything the accuser said was on the machine, was there," said McLaughlin. They promptly settled the case and fired the manager. "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 networks for the presence of complete or partial; words, pictures, 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.