Answer

In the past, Computer Forensic Examinations could run tens of thousands of dollars because of the manpower necessary to thoroughly examine a hard-drive. With the advancement of technology in the Computer Forensics arena that is no longer the case. The software and hardware available now make the price of Computer Forensics affordable and well worth the investment. The prices can range from $150 an hour to $350 an hour and the process involves basically three steps: Acquisition, Searching, and Reporting. Acquisitions usually cost less than $600.00. Searching and Reporting, of course, depend on the nature of your case. In most instances, searching and reporting can be completed for less than $3500.00. The initial analysis is usually less than $4500.00.

There is no reason that computer forensic analysis needs to disrupt any business. Making a "clone" of a computer system (even if several computers are involved) can be done during non-business hours, at night, or over a weekend. In many cases, the clone is acquired in less than 5 or 6 hours.