retrieving data from a smartphone

Understanding the Mobile Forensics Procedure

Mobile device forensics has become a major part of digital forensics. The use of mobile devices increasingly continues to gravitate between personal and professional use.

The main objective of mobile forensics is recovering digital evidence or data from a mobile device.

Following the appropriate methodology and guidelines is important for the examination of mobile devices to yield good results. This blog post will discuss the mobile forensics procedure.

Seizure

Digital forensics operate according to the principle that evidence should always be processed and preserved adequately. When confiscating mobile devices, some legal considerations go hand in hand. There may be a risk of lock activation by the suspect, user, or the Network connection.

Once seized, the mobile devices are switched on. Since they’re confiscated to preserve evidence, the best way to transport them is to keep them turned on. To avoid shutdown, the phone is usually set to airplane mode. Moreover, phone jammers isolate the mobile devices from external communication and allow safe transportation of evidence to the laboratory.

Acquisition

The data is retrieved from the mobile device in this step. A locked screen is unlocked with the correct password, PIN, pattern, or biometrics. According to regulations by Virginia Circuit Court, fingerprints are not protected, but passcodes are.

In addition, there may be similar locks on apps, messengers, or SMSs. On the other hand, encryption provides security on a hardware and software level that is impossible to circumvent. Once the data sources on the device are identified, the next step is to gather information. Forensic experts follow a set of protocols to collect data since a design specification may allow only one type of acquisition.

Examination and Analysis

The forensic expert needs to identify the type of mobile device, network, carrier, and service provider. The examiner may use several forensic tools for the acquisition and analysis of data that the machine contains.

Since there’s a great diversity of mobile devices, experts may use various tools. For example, the UFS box is a phone servicing tool used to access the mobile phone. Other software products have analytic capabilities to get useful data.

Mobile device forensics

If you’re searching for reliable mobile forensic experts, we are here to help. At Eclipse Forensics, we also provide video enhancement, audio authentication, computer forensics, and more! We use cutting-end technology to retrieve data and relevant information about a crime scene.

To learn more about our services, contact us today.

Posted in Blog, Mobile Forensics.