Dan Mares founded Mares and Company, LLC in 1998 after retiring from a 27-year career as a federal law enforcement agent. He had responsibilities as an Investigator both in the field and in internal security. During that time he became interested in and obtained training in computer science. He began developing software programs designed to analyze large amounts of data retrieved from mainframe computer databases. Those programs were the precursors to the current Maresware data analysis software. Around 1986, he began working in the area of what is now termed 'computer forensics.' In the search for tools more suitable to the specific needs of computer forensic investigations, he then began developing software that was the precursor to Maresware computer forensic software.

While serving as a federal agent, Dan assisted in the development of the Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS) course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. He subsequently served as a SCERS instructor. He also assisted in the development and teaching of the Basic Data Recovery and Advanced Data Recovery classes at the National White Collar Crime Center.

Dan is frequently an invited speaker and instructor in the field of computer forensics, fraud examination and other related areas. A few of the organizations he has appeared before include: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS); University of Texas, Austin.; Kennesaw State College; U.S. Secret Service; Southeast CyberCrime Institute; FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.; High Technology Crime Investigation Association(HTCIA); Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM); and Norwegian National Police Academy.

Dan continues to provide forensic and technical computer assistance, conduct forensic investigations, and to provide training to individuals, corporations and government agencies. He has provided his services to numerous state and federal agencies. Currently Dan has a tool testing session which he provides one saturday every quarter at Kennesaw University.

His combined skills in forensic investigations and in forensic software development enhance his ability to testify effectively in court, particularly regarding the technical aspects of electronic evidence analysis and forensic methodology.

Dan is professionally active in a number of organizations devoted to the advancement of the science and practice of computer forensics. Some of his memberships (and current or past office holdings) include:

• HTCIA, High Technology Crime Investigation Association Atlanta chapter president, vice president, secretary
• IISFA, International Information Systems Forensics Association Atlanta Chapter, Training director
• IACIS, International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists IACIS.
• ISSA, Information Systems Security Association. ISSA

He was also involved during the early organizing of the group which has become NCTP (National CyberCrime Training Partnership). Dan has also devoted time and expertise to a number of NIST endeavors to create reference texts for computer forensic investigators and analysts.

Certifications:
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) (2003-)
"Inactive-expired certifications"
Certified Information Forensics Investigator (CIFI) from ISFA (2003)(Inactive)
Disk Processing Certificate (IACIS)(Inactive)

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