Process & Methodology
A structured, evidence-driven approach designed for accuracy, clarity, and defensibility.
Why Process Matters
Cybersecurity investigations often fail not because evidence is missing, but because analysis is unstructured, poorly documented, or difficult for non-technical decision makers to understand.
JDI Consulting follows a defined investigative methodology that emphasizes:
- •Evidence integrity and documentation
- •Clear analytical reasoning
- •Plain-language communication
- •Defensible findings suitable for legal and investigative review
Engagement Principles
- •Accuracy over assumption
- •Documentation over speculation
- •Clarity over complexity
- •Ethics and confidentiality at every stage
Investigation Methodology (Step-by-Step)
Intake & Scope Definition
Establish clear objectives, constraints, and expectations for the engagement.
Key Activities:
- •Define investigative questions to be answered
- •Identify relevant systems, platforms, and data sources
- •Establish scope limits and assumptions
Evidence Preservation & Collection Guidance
Provide guidance to preserve relevant technical evidence and reduce the risk of spoliation.
Key Activities:
- •Identify relevant logs, exports, and artifacts
- •Recommend preservation steps for accounts and devices
- •Document data sources and collection context
Data Review & Normalization
Review collected data and normalize it for consistent analysis.
Key Activities:
- •Review platform-provided data exports
- •Parse and organize logs and records
- •Identify gaps, limitations, and data quality concerns
Analysis & Correlation
Analyze technical artifacts and correlate events across multiple sources.
Key Activities:
- •Identify patterns, anomalies, and indicators
- •Correlate timestamps, access events, and activity records
- •Cross-reference OSINT and platform data
Event Reconstruction
Reconstruct events into a coherent, evidence-backed narrative.
Key Activities:
- •Build structured timelines
- •Identify likely sequences of events
- •Distinguish confirmed facts from interpretation
Technical-to-Legal Translation
Translate technical findings into clear, plain-language summaries.
Key Activities:
- •Explain what happened and how
- •Define technical concepts when necessary
- •Clearly label assumptions, limitations, and unknowns
Reporting & Deliverables
Produce structured documentation suitable for review by non-technical stakeholders.
Key Activities:
- •Plain-language technical summaries
- •Timeline-based findings
- •Supporting references to data sources
- •Recommended next steps
Reporting Standards
All reporting produced by JDI Consulting aims to be:
- •Technically accurate
- •Clearly written and logically structured
- •Transparent about limitations
- •Suitable for legal and investigative review
Collaboration with Legal & Investigative Teams
JDI Consulting frequently collaborates with attorneys and investigators to:
- •Clarify technical findings
- •Answer follow-up questions
- •Provide additional context as needed
Work is performed in a support role and remains within defined technical and ethical boundaries.
Scope & Limitations
- •Services are limited to technical consulting and investigation
- •No legal advice is provided
- •Attribution is evidence-based and appropriately qualified
- •Conclusions are supported by documented artifacts
If you require cybersecurity or digital investigation support grounded in a clear, defensible methodology, you can request an initial consultation.