About

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Why Disklabs?

Disklabs Ltd are the UK’s market leaders in digital forensics, with 25 years’ experience of delivering expertise into the public and private sectors. Our specialist digital forensic services are successfully delivered to law enforcement; government agencies; global corporations and legal teams.

We bring together digital expertise with forensics, eDiscovery & disclosure, and cyber security and have dedicated digital forensic laboratories, data recovery, data erasure and asset management facilities all under one roof.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

Our reputation for excellence is second to none and we are recommended to all UK law enforcement and Government Agencies by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). We are trusted by our clients for data integrity and security and our premises are certified as a Police Assured Secure Facility (PASF).

By sharing our expertise, we build trust and confidence with our clients, developing high quality solutions that solve their challenges. Our clients include the NCA, Metropolitan Police Service, ICO, DELL and many others. Since 1997, we have been delivering services domestically and internationally; both overtly and covertly. Our global reach spans the UK, Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East & Asia.

Our in-house R&D and Advanced Specialist Forensics team have a proven track record of delivering technical solutions with success, where others have been unable to deliver.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Focussed on highly quality solutions and services, we are proud to hold 5 ISO accreditations, all repeatedly reaccredited without loss, demonstrating our commitment to quality. We are the only UK Forensic Service provider to hold this number of accreditations which reflects our commitment to security, quality, our people and clients, our community and environment.

We are proud to be accredited for:

  • ISO 9001:2015 ​​Quality Management
  • ISO 27001:2013​ ​Information Security Management System
  • ISO 14001:2015​​Environmental Management
  • ISO 22301:2012​​Business Continuity Management
  • PASF​​​​Home office registered Police Assured Secure Facility
  • Cyber Essentials
  • Cyber Essentials Plus
  • SSIP and TRAC Registered

Not only do we hold gold standard accreditations, but we are the only dedicated digital forensics service provider that hold all the above accreditations and coupled with ISO 14001 this reflects our commitment to our community and the environment.

TRUST

We are trusted by our clients because Disklabs operate out of a Police Assured Secure Facility and have dedicated ISO accredited digital laboratories where security, process and procedures are paramount.

Disklabs specialist teams are all vetted to SC level, or above and operate in government data centres and MOD sites capturing and forensically analysing and erasing data which is Protectively Marked.

OTHER SERVICES

Disklabs have a Specialist In-House Advanced Data Recovery service which is recommended to all UK law enforcement and Government Agencies by UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). We offer advanced data recovery services from servers & RAID arrays across all operating systems, as we understand that your data is critical, and you need it quickly to run your business.

We also provide services and training to criminal defence solicitors, law enforcement, government agencies and military intelligence in matters of criminal justice, national security, and the recovery of evidential material.

Our other services include Disklabs Managed Data Erasure Service. We securely remove all data and information from all digital media types; on-site at the client’s facility, or at our PASF. Disklabs destroy sensitive data on police exhibits, government IT infrastructure including servers, workstations, mobile phones and laptops and enterprise class data centre equipment.

Disklabs offer a range of lifecycle solutions to Data Centre’s & Corporate Clients around enterprise storage equipment, ensuring data security requirements are met. These solutions include certified data erasure, equipment decommissioning, asset management and revenue return on End-of-Life equipment.

Our extensive range of Faraday Bags guarantee the security of evidence, protect important files and safeguard key information from attack, hacking and tracking. Whether it is on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or digital device, we are the number one provider of active RF shielding into law enforcement and government agencies.

As a forward thinking and agile company, Disklabs continue to strive to build its services through innovation and research & development. We actively embrace strategic collaborations, and this has led to the development of a number of cutting-edge solutions and services.

Philosophy

At Disklabs, our purpose is to assist organisations, communities, law enforcement and the criminal justice system to protect society from complex and harmful criminality.

We have a wealth of expertise in digital forensics, data recovery, and certified data erasure. With exceptional technical ability, we solve complex issues and provide continuous improvements and insights to our clients. We build trust and confidence to develop the right, high quality solutions that solve their challenges.  

Data handling is at the heart of our business, so we ensure that our services, products, and solutions are fit for purpose while ensuring our clients' data is secure.

Always evolving our offering, we remain open minded and encouraging of new ways of working, the needs of our people, our clients, and our communities.

We come from different backgrounds, but our core values are what we have in common and define who we are at Disklabs:

  • Honesty & Integrity
  • Open-mindedness
  • Collaboration
  • Exceptional quality
  • Care & Respect

Our inclusive culture means people feel valued, included and that they belong. As such, they contribute to our collaborative, open and trusted working environment. By understanding and sharing viewpoints, we can innovate, build better relationships, and deliver the best solutions for our clients.

Executive Team

Matthew Jones - Finance Director - Disklabs

Matthew Jones

As Director and Co-Founder of Disklabs, Matt has been heavily involved in the development of Disklabs Forensic Laboratory facility. He is experienced in advising Law Enforcement and Government Agency’s in the Middle East, Far East and Africa in establishing real-life capability in Digital Forensic & Data Recovery.

Through his extensive tenure at Disklabs, Matt has supported several local government initiatives such as UKTI West Midlands ICT Cluster as a Director and the Birmingham City Business Development and Innovation Team. He has also been a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at Warwick University, Coventry University and Birmingham City University on subject of real-life digital forensics and cyber security. Matt has a unique background and understanding of Digital Forensics, Forensics Data Recovery, Secure Data Sanitisation , Faraday Bags, and contract management covering the full contract lifecycle, from bidding, mobilisation, delivery, and continuous improvement.

Harlan Simpson - Operations Director - Disklabs

Harlan Simpson

As Operations Director, Harlan oversees all the operations at Disklabs and leads the Digital Forensics, eDiscovery and Data Capture, Data Recovery, and Certified Data Erasure services. Harlan has a wealth of experience leading multifaceted forensic and big data investigations and has been key to Disklabs successfully delivering some of the UK’s largest forensic contracts. He has a vast experience of managing complex client requirements and a track record of successful delivery.

Harlan is a strategic thinker and has been the driving force behind Disklabs continuous growth and development and the implementation of its multiple ISO accreditations. Harlan was instrumental in the development and implementation of Disklabs On-Site Certified Data Erasure solution, which continues to be the only such solution outside of North America. His current responsibilities include delivery of the On-site Certified Data Erasure service across EMEA. Prior to Joining Disklabs In 2005, Harlan spent 5 years successfully managing one of the largest asset management contracts in Europe.

Services

Digital Forensics

Digital Forensics

Analysis of data stored on computers, tablets, laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices.

Data Recovery

Data Recovery

Retrieval of data, digitally stored documents and images lost through system failure, software issues or physical damage.

Certified Data Erasure

Certified Data Erasure

Certified, compliant and irreversible / permanent removal of data from any storage platform within data centres, military sites or corporate server rooms.

Our History

2023

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Outsourcing Contract awarded to Disklabs

Leicestershire Police Outsourcing Contract awarded to Disklabs

Successful surveillance visit ISO17025, ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301

2022

Successful surveillance visit ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification

Disklabs Ltd celebrates 25th aniversary

MPS Digital Forensic Outsourcing Contract awarded to Disklabs

Disklabs deliver Digital Forensic Services across France, Italy, Greece and Germany for Dell Inc.

Disklabs awarded large police Mobile Phone Contract

Disklabs expands its service offering under the National Agreement for the Provision of Digital Forensics

2021

Successfully recertified for ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification

City Of London Police Digital Forensic Contract awarded

Disklabs awarded MPS Digital Forensic Outsourcing Contract

Disklabs successfully deliver multi-force police Mobile Phone Contract

Disklabs successfully deliver Forensic Data Recovery contract for UK courts

Disklabs starts to deliver services under the National Agreement for the Provision of Digital Forensics

2020

Successful surveillance visit ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification

Disklabs engaged to deliver Forensic Data Recovery contract for UK courts

Disklab are recognised as Forensic Provider by Intel

Disklabs awarded Police Assured Secure Facility status (PASF)

Disklabs Faraday bags awarded “Secure by Design” status

2019

Successful surveillance visit ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification

Disklabs is appointed the sole provider for Digital Forensic Services by The Information Commissioner Office (ICO)

City Of London Police Digial Forensic Contract

Disklabs awarded MSA by Dell France, Dell Germany and Dell Italy

2018

Disklabs undertake the worlds largest forensic investigation in personnel data misuse for Information Commissioner’s Office.

Dell Inc awarded EMEA Digital Forensic & Certified Data Erasure contract to Disklabs.

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials certification.

ISO9001 & ISO27001 Recertification.

Accredited to ISO14001 & ISO22301.

2017

Successful surveillance visit ISO9001 AND ISO27001

Disklabs awarded Cyber Essentials certification

Disklabs Ltd celebrates 20th anniversary

City Of London Police Digial Forensic Contract awarded to Disklabs

The Pension Regulator extends its contract with Disklabs

2016

HMRC Digital Forensic contract awarded to Disklabs.

Information Commissioner’s Office Digital Forensic Contract awarded to Disklabs.

Nationwide Police Exhibits Certified Data Erasure Framework awarded to Disklabs.

EMC Inc Forensic Services contract awarded to Disklabs.

Cyber Essentials certification awarded to Disklabs.

ISO9001 & ISO27001 Recertification.

2015

Disklabs move to new purpose built facility.

Disklabs completes over 20,000 mobile phone forensic examination’s.

The Pensions Regulator’s digital forensic services contract awarded to Disklabs.

ISO9001 & ISO27001 Recertification.

2014

Disklabs redesigns the whole of the Faraday Bag range of products.

2013

Disklabs undertakes certified data erasure in 8 countries.

Disklabs delivers Data Recovery training to a Middle East Client on-site.

Disklabs attends Milipol – world-wide exhibition of internal state-wide security – as an exhibitor.

2012

Disklabs endorses Birmingham City University’s forensic degree course incorporating data recovery.

Disklabs delivers its first data recovery and forensics laboratory into the Far East.

2011

Disklabs develops Core Competence training packages to include mobile phone forensics and computer forensics.

The Gadget Show features Disklabs services in relation to protecting personal privacy.

2010

All Disklabs staff receive National Security Vetting & Metropolitan Police Service Security Clearance.

The Gadget Show features Disklabs services and films on company premises.

Disklabs achieve AccredIT UK- Ultimate Standard for suppliers and purchasers of ICT Solutions.

Bar Standards Board CPD accreditation to train barristers awarded to Disklabs.

Disklabs deliver their first Core Competence training in Data Recovery.

2009

Disklabs delivers its first data recovery laboratory into the Middle East.

Disklabs is awarded ISO 27001:2005 – Information Security Management and ISO 9001:2008 – Quality Assurance Management.

Disklabs wins South East based law enforcement forensics contract.

Disklabs is featured in a New Scientist article about the data security perils of smartphone ownership, and the difficulties of erasing data safely.

Disklabs redesigns the Phone-Shield Faraday Bag and introduces Cable-Shield, Laptop-Shield, Holdall-Shield and Tablet-Shield.

2008

Disklabs receive ICT Excellence Award – Best Added Value Service 2008 for forensic data recovery.

Disklabs Ltd consolidates its specialist data services into three areas:

  • Digital Forensics
  • Data Recovery
  • Certified Data Erasure

Disklabs wins East Midlands based law enforcement mobile phone forensic contract.

Disklabs is approved as CPD trainer for Legal Services.

Disklabs is awarded ISO9001:2008 Quality Assurance Management.

2007

Disklabs launches the Phone-Shield Faraday Bag.

Disklabs MD, Simon Steggles is featured on Tonight with Trevor MacDonald, filmed at the Disklabs Digital Forensics facility in Staffordshire, UK, demonstrating the ease with which a password-protected hard disk can be accessed with the right equipment.

> show clip

Disklabs is featured on BBC News after recovering all data from computers which had been subject to impact from a significant height and fire.

2006

Disklabs begins to provide forensic services to Ernst & Young and EMC.

2005

Disklabs is awarded ISO27001 accreditation – Information Security Management.

BBC news investigates what happened when Disklabs buys 100 hard drives on eBay and examines the state of their data, bringing the importance of proper data erasure procedures into the public eye.

2004

2004 Disklabs mobile phone and computer forensics laboratory is completed.

2003

Disklabs launches its forensic data recovery service catering to law enforcement [forensically repairing damaged exhibits].

2002

Disklabs is awarded ISO9001: 2000 accreditation – Quality Assurance Management.

2000

Disklabs is awarded ISO9001: 2000 accreditation – Quality Assurance Management.

1999

Disklabs becomes the first approved data recovery partner to UK Western Digital, a relationship which still stands to date.

1CT launches its data recovery solutions for law enforcement, local authorities, corporate clients and home users under the Disklabs brand.

1998

1CT wins the IBM contract to erase data and recertify hard disk drives throughout Europe.

1997

1st Computer Traders Ltd (1CT) is established in 1997 as an IT asset management business.