up:: [[Digital Forensics and Incident Response]] # Mobile Forensics Mobile Forensics is the science of recovering digital evidence from a mobile device under forensically sound conditions. It involves the application of investigation and analysis techniques to gather and preserve data from a mobile phone, tablet, or any other mobile device in a way that is suitable for presentation in a court of law. ## How It Works Mobile forensics typically follows a structured process: 1. **Seizure:** Secure acquisition of the mobile device to prevent unauthorized access and data tampering. 2. **Acquisition:** Duplication of device data using forensically sound methods to create an exact bit-by-bit copy of the data. 3. **Examination:** Detailed analysis of the acquired data using specialized software to parse and recover data formats. 4. **Reporting:** Compilation of the findings into a report that is admissible in court, detailing the evidence and the process followed. ## Key Features - **Data Extraction:** Includes both logical extraction (file system level) and physical extraction (recovery of deleted files and hidden data). - **Data Analysis:** Involves using forensic tools to review data, including call logs, messages, apps data, and GPS locations. - **Reporting Tools:** Generate detailed reports that can be used in legal proceedings. ## Common Techniques - **Logical Extraction:** Fast and non-intrusive, this method accesses the file system to extract data that the operating system is programmed to permit. - **Physical Extraction:** A more intrusive technique that involves copying the complete data set from the device, including deleted and hidden data. - **Chip-Off:** A method used for damaged devices where data is retrieved directly from the device’s memory chip. - **JTAG Forensics:** Involves accessing the device's memory via its Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) ports without needing to boot up the device’s operating system. ## Advantages - **Comprehensive Data Recovery:** Ability to recover not just active data but also deleted and encrypted files. - **Evidence Integrity:** Maintains a chain of custody and forensic soundness that is crucial for legal scrutiny. - **Versatility:** Capable of extracting data from a wide variety of mobile operating systems and models. - **Speed:** Rapid extraction and analysis of data, which is critical in time-sensitive investigations. ## Related Cybersecurity Policies - **[[NIST Special Publication 800-101, Revision 1]],** "Guidelines on Mobile Device Forensics": Provides comprehensive guidelines on methodologies, tools, and techniques for mobile device forensics. - **[[ISOIEC 27037|ISO/IEC 27037]]:** Specifies guidelines for identification, collection, acquisition, and preservation of digital evidence. - **[[Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)]]:** Governs the interception and disclosure of electronic communications, impacting how data can be legally collected and used in investigations. ## Common Tools/Software - **Cellebrite UFED:** A widely used mobile forensic tool that provides physical and logical extraction of data. - **Oxygen Forensics Suite:** Offers advanced data extraction and analysis capabilities including cloud services and encrypted backups. - **MSAB XRY:** Allows for extraction, decoding, and analysis of mobile data, supporting a broad range of mobile devices. ## Current Status As mobile technology evolves, mobile forensics tools and techniques continuously adapt to handle new security features and [[encryption]] technologies. The field remains critical for law enforcement and private investigators due to the increasing reliance on mobile devices in criminal activities. ## Revision History - **2024-04-14:** Entry created.