Data Breach Investigations

Simon Smith is an experienced digital forensics and cybersecurity expert who provides comprehensive data breach investigation services for businesses, government entities, law firms, and individuals. With over 24 years of experience in IT, software development, cybersecurity, and expert witness work, Simon has the technical capability and legal understanding to respond quickly and effectively to data breach incidents. A data breach occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected information is accessed, disclosed, or extracted without authorisation. This may involve customer data, financial records, intellectual property, employee details, or commercially sensitive information.

Breaches can occur due to:

• External cyber attacks (e.g. ransomware, phishing, malware)
• Insider threats or staff misconduct
• Poor access controls or misconfigured systems
• Stolen or lost devices
• Third-party vendor failures

Simon provides tailored breach response and forensic services, including:

• Identifying how the breach occurred and when
• Locating the source and pathway of unauthorised access
• Analysing logs, devices, networks, and user behaviour
• Determining what data was accessed, viewed, exfiltrated, or tampered with
• Isolating affected systems and advising on containment
• Assisting with legal and regulatory obligations (e.g. OAIC notification under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme)
• Preparing forensic evidence for court if required
• Supporting claims for damages, insurance, or breach of contract
• Liaising with police, regulators, or IT service providers

Simon acts independently and offers unbiased technical opinions supported by forensic methodology. His findings have been relied upon in civil and criminal courts and by legal counsel across Australia and New Zealand.

Free Review