How to Prove If Your Worker is Guilty of Malfeasance



In this high-tech world, interaction is done 99.999% via electronic devices, which are computers. From individual to corporate communications, from plain messages between employees to sophisticated ciphers of industrial intelligence-gathering or money crime, computers are the vehicles. Hence the optimum place to find proof of employee transgression in almost all facets is to examine his computer hard disk. No matter if it is a refurbished computer, a used computer or a new computer, remnants of what he did using the machine may be analyzed to determine whether he perpetrated offenses or not. This discipline of post facto computer analysis is called computer forensics.

Each computer inputs all keystrokes performed in the machine, since it must respond to them as instructions. This record is normally kept in the disk in various locations though most may be automatically erased as part of the operating system function. An examination of the computer disks would commonly shows traces of these, especially the erased items that have not yet been overwritten by new inputs. Deletion of information in any program simply means the computer will not open it, but it does not go away unless overwritten, and may be ‘read’ by specialized gadgets to reveal what was thought to be already eliminated.

There are two main reasons for computer forensics: when an exiting employee is suspected of fase acts in keeping company secrets confidential during his tenure; and if an employee is suspected of underperformance, not using his full time to his job. In the first instance, the computer may be secretly examined after the person has left without anyone knowing; but in the latter instance, periodic computer check-up is the only way to pinpoint goldbricking employees without adversely influencing employee confidence. Otherwise, spying on the employee will be the option, either via electronic gadgets or actual spies.

Information obtainable by forensics gadgets include:

1. Records or portions of files that have been erased but not overwritten. As mentioned above, the magnetic composition for the datum remains as is unless rearranged by new actions.

2. Roster of erased file titles even devoid of the files. This may show the use of unapproved or banned programs.

3. Websites visited, at any browser setting, even if removed from browser records. Usually recorded in hidden files or open disk space and traceable in toto or vestiges.

4. Opened or downloaded Internet information or graphics. Same with the item above.

5. Non-standard programs or software utilized.

6. Residual information in the temporary files, saved or not. Commonly what was being used most recently.

7. Hidden information or those guarded by passwords. The programs used can crack the passwords or proceed beyond them.

Corporate studies show that around 20% of employee computer time on the job is used for activities not directly related to the work, and this is grossly unfair to the company. Employee check is thus a method of ascertaining correct employee performance, but there is also such a thing as employee esprit d’corps and right to privacy. The aim is getting and keeping a balance between the two entitlements, and computer forensics is just a method to do it.