In a move that could shift the e-discovery landscape, Exterro has unveiled a new capability aimed at enhancing the process of data collection from remote mobile devices. The Remote Mobile Discovery product, expected to become generally available next month, is poised to simplify the routine yet intricate procedures of gathering mobile data for both e-discovery and digital forensic investigations.
This development comes as mobile data is being increasingly utilized in legal proceedings. According to Exterro, a substantial 75% of legal cases now encompass mobile data, reversing traditional methods of data investigation and analysis. Notably, the new offering integrates seamlessly with Exterro’s existing data management ecosystem, streamlining the review of mobile data alongside other sources including computer files and cloud data.
Aimed at reducing complexity, the product enables data collection without requiring software installations on the mobile devices. Data from popular apps like Discord, Instagram, and WhatsApp can be obtained wirelessly, obviating the need for physical access. This technological advancement is significant as it allows legal and IT teams to initiate remote collections swiftly through the Exterro Data Risk Management platform.
Ryan O’Leary, research director for privacy and legal technology at IDC, emphasized the growth in mobile data discovery as a crucial provider of digital evidence, stating that this tool allows legal teams to assess mobile data within the same framework as other digital evidence, expediting case resolution. The tool’s intuitive interface further lowers the barrier to entry, facilitating access for legal professionals and compliance teams without necessitating technical expertise.
The product is unique due to its ability to establish a “trust relationship” with mobile devices, enabling subsequent omission-free collections as long as the device remains on the same network as the collection computer. This process includes a requirement for user consent, adding a layer of ethical engagement to the proceedings.
Pricing for the service will be tiered, based on the number of devices under management, starting from 50 devices. Additionally, the product will be available as both a cloud solution and an on-premises deployment. Michael Hamilton of Exterro highlighted the integration into its existing e-discovery platform as a distinguishing factor, as it allows holistic data review.
For organizations operating at the enterprise level, multiple phone connections can be made to a single collection computer to simplify data collection management across wider networks. However, Exterro acknowledges that the requirement for devices to share a network with the collection computer may pose logistical challenges for data extraction from remote employees or those who have exited an organization.
Overall, Exterro’s latest unveiling strengthens its market position in e-discovery and sets a precedent for other service providers in the rapidly evolving digital investigation landscape. For further details, please refer to LawNext.