In today’s fast-paced world, customers seek organizations that have a robust online presence. Thus, a majority of organizations rely heavily on digital devices and the internet to operate and improve their business. As large amount of information is produced, accumulated, and distributed via electronic means, these devices are often vulnerable to cyberattacks.
This is where digital forensics plays an important role. Digital forensics is a scientific investigation process in which computer artifacts, data points, and information are collected around a cyberattack. Understanding digital forensic procedures help organizations capture vital information that can be used to prosecute a suspect that compromises digital devices or networks. With the increasing demand for such services, several new Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) service providers are emerging in the market today.
Established in 1999, Paraben Corporation is one of the elite few DFIR companies that have been around for more than two decades. Since its inception, the company has been a foundation in solutions for mobile devices, smartphones, email, hard drives, and gaming system forensics. The company is a brainchild of Amber Schroader (Founder and CEO of Paraben Corporation). Amber has been a leader in the field of computer forensics for over thirty years and is recognized as one of the driving forces for innovation in digital forensics.
A Remarkable Career
Ms. Schroader’s grandparents immigrated to the US and opened a small business. Growing up watching them, she was inspired to open a business herself. Ultimately, when she designed the first tool for mobile forensics twenty years ago, she was fascinated—and thus was driven to make a difference in digital forensics.
Ms. Schroader specializes in mobile forensics, enterprise forensics & discovery, and hard drive and media investigations and recovery. In her exceptional career, Ms. Schroader has developed over two-dozen software programs designed for the purposes of recovering data from hand-held devices such as cellular phones and PDAs, computer hard drives, and large-scale computer networks capable of storing data from several thousand computers.
With an aggressive development schedule, Ms. Schroader continues to bring forth new and exciting technology to the computer forensic community worldwide. She coined the concept of the “360-degree approach to digital forensics”, pushing for a big-picture consideration of the digital evidence acquisition process. As an accomplished curriculum developer and instructor, Ms. Schroader has written and taught numerous classes for this specialized field. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, expert witness, and has appeared on NBC Nightly News. Presently, as the Founder, CEO, and Chief Architect of Paraben Corporation, Ms. Schroader is responsible for the company’s exclusive line of digital forensic solutions.
Exclusive Services and Solutions
With a plethora of exclusive tools, Paraben aids investigators in finding data for their investigations. The company leverages its 20+ years of innovative technology experience to Digital Forensic Tools, Smartphone Forensic Tools, and Email Investigations Tools such as—E3:Universal Software, E3:DS Software, E3:P2C Software, E3:EMX Software, E3:NEMX Software, PAP FLEX, MFK-Mobile Field Kit, and UFK—Universal Field Kit.
Besides these, Paraben also provides its patented StrongHold bags that provide wireless protection from signals that can contaminate and potentially wipe digital evidence. These bags use a patented design to block out wireless signals from cell towers, wireless networks, and other signal sources. The special multi-weave material used in the wireless StrongHold bag is made of multiple materials that combine to give optimal blocking protection. The company also provides DFIR & Cyber Consulting services such as digital forensic consulting, expert witness testimony, app pen tests, security evaluations, etc.
Paraben takes a custom approach by looking at all the data to process and then processing it under a single interface. Moreover, it offers free training and certification with its software to provide its users with more knowledge and comfort. These factors distinguish the company from its competitors.
Keeping up with the Trends
As the CEO, Ms. Schroader is involved in every aspect of the business—such as overseeing technology plans, marketing, training, sales, and speaking engagements. She also takes time to work on a few private cases to stay familiar with what investigators are facing.
Ms. Schroader asserts that the biggest issues faced by today’s companies are with technology trends and answering those with solutions. “We are nimble smaller company, so we can respond quickly, but sometimes many people focus on the bigger brand companies even when your solution offers more overall features for investigators at a price affordable for any organization,” she adds.
The COVID-19 Conundrum
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the way businesses operated. According to Ms. Schroader, the biggest challenge for Paraben was regarding office time. Observing the situation, the company decided to allow its entire staff to work remotely. The decision was a big hit and as a result, productivity has improved.
Paraben has solid leadership that thought through the different potential outcomes before the changes were made. Ms. Schroader adds, “This was helpful with COVID-19 and the adjustments we needed to do to still reach our audience and keep the personalize style we have always been known for as a company.”
Thinking outside the Box
Smaller companies sometimes offer more innovative solutions as they have to constantly think out of the box. Ms. Schroader is optimistic that many of the groups that took a step back and started emphasizing innovation will come to Paraben more and more.
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