The present technique provides for the analysis of a data series to identify sequences of interest within the series. Specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the present technique, a method is provided comprising generating a data structure that stores characteristics about a plurality of sequences present in a data series. One or more sequences are identified based upon the contents of the data structure. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, more than one heuristic is calculated for each sequence under review. The plurality of heuristics associated with each sequence are evaluated to identify a sequence of interest.