What is provided is a method of generating a minimal forensic image of a target dataset to reduce upload demand. The method includes storing a set of criteria in an investigator device, wherein the set of criteria determines target data files of the target dataset which are to be included in the minimal forensic image, and wherein the set of criteria includes a plurality of file types and at least a first upload format for each file type in the plurality of file types, locating the target data files of the plurality of file types in the target dataset using the set of criteria, storing a representation of each target data file in the minimal forensic image in an MFI upload format determined according to the set of criteria, and transferring the minimal forensic image to a cloud server.