Metadata Extractor has been created to assist investigators and litigators to identify key metadata properties of common file types quickly and easily. Leveraging their expertise in data analysis, our analysts carefully examine metadata fields to detect any signs of evidence tampering.

Currently the tool supports the following types of files:

Image Files: .jpg, .jpeg, .png

Document Files: .pdf, .txt, .doc, .docx

Spreadsheet Files: .xls, .xlsx

Presentation Files: .ppt, .pptx

Any files uploaded are immediately moved off to an analysis platform inaccessible from the Internet and metadata is extracted to a text file. The original file is deleted within 24 hours, and we do not hold copies. Any file uploaded can also be immediately deleted by clients using the site.

Metadata may appear self-explanatory but in a legal context it often needs expert interpretation. For example, the ‘Date Picture Taken’ of a digital photo can be readily manipulated but there are often alternate dates and other markers that indicate to us that the date has been tampered with.

If you need an expert interpretation of metadata/files we provide an easy point and click solution to engage with us to provide a short independent report listing the key metadata, describing the metadata and a comment about the authenticity of the metadata.

Our standard report costs A$800 + GST which includes analysis for one file. For custom pricing and reports please contact us now!

How To Use?

1. To access our Metadata Extractor tool, please login or create an account.
2. Choose the file and upload.
3. Our tool will let you know if any relevant metadata was found.
4. You can choose to:
   
   • Request a report reviewed by our team.
   • Delete the uploaded file from our servers.
   • Upload a new file.

What is Metadata?

Metadata is often described as ‘data about data’ and in the context of digital forensics it is generally used to describe useful information embedded within digital documents and images such as the Author of a Word Document.

This information provides details about the file itself such as dates and times, authors, application versions, company information and many other relevant attributes. Metadata in digital forensics serves as a digital fingerprint for electronic files, offering a wealth of information beyond the visible content of documents and images.

Using Metadata in investigations

DTA Metadata Extractor is designed to retrieve metadata from documents and images that can help establish the provenance of documents presented as evidence.

For example, in a motor vehicle insurance claim investigation the date/time and location a photo was taken of the crash scene can be critical in establishing a potential fraudulent claim. Most modern cameras track this information as metadata.

Metadata can be used to help reconstruct an event timeline.

                                                                       Disclaimer

The DTA Metadata Extractor Tool analyses the key metadata properties in the files that are uploaded and provides a report about metadata found in the file.

The information provided by this tool should be treated as a guide only.  You should seek expert interpretation of the metadata before relying on any information provided.  For example, the information should not be relied upon in legal proceedings or insurance claim investigations without expert analysis.

While DTA has taken care to ensure the information provided by this tool is as correct and accurate as possible, DTA makes no warranty or representation in relation to the tool’s performance or that the information provided will be complete or free from error. By using this tool, you acknowledge that in no event will DTA be liable for any incidental or consequential loss or damage resulting from use of the information provided.

This tool is not a replacement for receiving expert interpretation of the metadata found in the file.

Please contact DTA directly if you wish to engage DTA to provide a short independent expert report on the metadata found in the file.