1. A computer-implemented method of collecting data at a first computer system, the method comprising: reading an encrypted search configuration file specifying at least one search parameter, the encrypted search configuration file generated at a second computer system to prevent any process executing at the first computer system, other than a search agent performing a search, from reading search parameters that control operation of the search agent performing a search; performing a search of at least one storage device of the first computer system to identify data objects residing thereon and having characteristics that satisfy the at least one search parameter specified in the encrypted search configuration file; utilizing an encryption key generated at the second computer system to encrypt information identifying the data objects having characteristics that satisfy the at least one search parameter specified in the search configuration file; and writing to a results file the encrypted information identifying the data objects having characteristics that satisfy the at least one search parameter specified in the search configuration file.