CyberCode Academy

Course 11 - Mobile Forensics Fundamentals | Episode 2: Data Acquisition, Diverse Operating Systems, and Forensic Challenges

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In this lesson, you’ll learn about: • Core forensic methodology and mobile-specific preservation challenges
  • Mobile forensics follows the standard digital forensic phases—collection, examination, analysis, and reporting—but must adapt to mobile-specific risks.
  • Devices must be isolated immediately to prevent remote wiping or network interference using Faraday cages, Stronghold bags, or shielded rooms.
  • Some devices (e.g., BlackBerry) support remote kill commands, making rapid on-scene triage essential before the device locks.
  • Investigators must document the exact state of the device on seizure (powered on/off, locked/unlocked) and any actions taken (e.g., enabling Airplane Mode).
• Methods of mobile data acquisition and their limitations Acquisition techniques follow a “pyramid of reliability,” balancing forensic soundness with practical access: 1. Manual Extraction
  • Used when automated tools fail or when handling unsupported “feature phones” or burner devices.
  • Often involves photographing each screen manually using tools like Project Phone.
  • Least reliable but sometimes the only option.
2. Logical Acquisition
  • The most common method for smartphones, performed with forensic tools such as Cellebrite, XRY, and Paraben.
  • Retrieves allocated data, app data, logs, contacts, SMS, and backups.
  • iPhone logical extraction usually requires iTunes to force the device to generate a backup.
  • Android logical extraction may use ADB, especially on rooted devices.
3. Physical Acquisition (Invasive & Non-Invasive)
  • Targets both allocated and unallocated data, including deleted content.
  • Methods include JTAG, ISP, and Chip-Off forensics.
  • Increasingly limited by full-disk encryption—data may be physically extracted but cryptographically useless without keys.
4. Volatile Memory Extraction
  • RAM acquisition is highly difficult due to hardware protections, sandboxing, and security mechanisms.
  • Any volatile data disappears once the device powers down.
• Operating system architectures and forensic implications Android
  • Linux-based and secured with SE Linux for mandatory access control.
  • SE Linux sandboxing has known bypasses through covert channels.
  • Highly fragmented ecosystem creates inconsistent forensic tool performance.
iOS / iPhone
  • Unix-based, secured by Apple’s robust Secure Boot Chain.
  • Uses APFS (Apple File System) with strong encryption.
  • Extremely resistant to physical extraction on modern versions.
Windows Phone
  • Historically optimized for usability over security.
  • Weak sandboxing may allow cross-privilege interaction and artifact leakage.
• Mobile network fundamentals and legal constraints in forensic work Network Technologies & Identifiers
  • GSM: International, open-standard.
  • CDMA: North American, proprietary.
  • Key identifiers:
    • IMEI – device hardware identity
    • IMSI – subscriber identity stored in SIM
Legal Restrictions
  • Mobile devices fall under Fourth Amendment protections.
  • Accessing cloud data using cached credentials without a warrant violates the Computer Abuse Act (18 USC §1030).
  • Carrier metadata (CDRs, tower location, HLR/VLR info) requires a subpoena or discovery order.
  • Operating signal-jamming equipment without government authorization is illegal under FCC regulations.


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CyberCode AcademyBy CyberCode Academy