Digital Forensics Now

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We're back! After a short break we are back to discuss the growing crossover between real-world events and digital evidence in court cases, highlighting how device data can make or break timelines in high-stakes investigations.

This episode covers:

• Ian Whiffin’s latest forensic work, including iOS power log timestamps, Apple Health data reliability, iPhone battery temperature readings, and IR Doppler functionality – with examples of how these artifacts were used in a recent homicide trial to validate timelines and environmental conditions.
• Kevin Pagano’s App Store Package Search tool, which translates obscure bundle IDs into recognizable app information for easier analysis.
• Concerns over the growing reliance on AI in digital forensics, emphasizing the need for human expertise and proper validation in every step of the process.
• A demonstration of LUMYX, a mapping tool that converts extracted location data into customizable visual timelines for courtroom presentations.
• Updates on LAVA (LEAPPS Artifact Viewer App) and guidance on writing LAVA-compliant artifacts to improve reporting workflows.

Notes:

Ian's FOUR Newest Blogs
https://www.doubleblak.com/blogPost.php?k=powerlog
https://www.doubleblak.com/blogPost.php?k=healthaccuracy
https://www.doubleblak.com/blogPost.php?k=temperature
https://www.doubleblak.com/blogPost.php?k=doppler

Ian Whiffin Testimony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kahgl-mIUFE

Kevin Pagano Stark4n6 app store package search
https://www.stark4n6.com/2025/07/introducing-asp-app-store-package-search.html
https://github.com/stark4n6

Elcomsoft Article- AI driven Password Recovery Myth or Reality?
https://blog.elcomsoft.com/2025/07/ai-driven-password-recovery-myth-or-reality/

Beyond the Badge AI's role in Modern Investigations
https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/beyond-the-badge-ais-role-in-modern-investigations/

LUMYX
https://lumyx.com/

LEAPPs
leapps.org

How to make LAVA Compliant LEAPP Artifacts
https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7356497708628520962/

UFADE 
https://cp-df.com/en/blog/ufade_touch.html

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We kick off this episode with highlights from the Techno Security Conference, our 80s-themed outfits, packed LEAPP labs, AI panel discussions, and great conversations with friends and colleagues across the field.

We discuss Brett Shavers’ recent series on DFIR entry-level work, and share our thoughts on the need for better forensic training and clearer distinctions between forensics, cybersecurity, and incident response.

We also talk about recent tool changes in the industry. Cellebrite’s acquisition of Corellium could make mobile app testing more accessible, and Magnet’s purchase of Dark Circuit Labs.

We cover Harper Shaw’s Vehicle Network App, a valuable source of vehicle-related data. Alongside that, we highlight a recent blog on cached screenshots in Windows 11. 

Be sure to check out the excellent “Parsing the Truth” podcast.

Heather walks through her Easter road trip to test Android's Timeline feature (formerly Google Location History). The location data was impressively accurate, but also showed how easily some points can mislead without the right context.

Catch us at IACIS Reno in January and check out the some of the resources we mentioned.

Notes:

Parsing the Truth: One Byte at a Time 
https://parsingthetruth.com/

Cached Screenshots on Windows 11
https://thinkdfir.com/2025/06/13/cached-screenshots-on-windows-11/

The Vehicle Network App from Harper Shaw
https://harpershaw.co.uk/the-vehicle-network-app-1

Beklkasoft CTF
https://belkasoft.com/belkactf7/

Brett Shavers 6 part series
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dfir-really-entry-level-brett-shavers-ewsvc/
https://www.dfir.training/new-to-dfir/dfir-career

Artifact of the Week/Android Location History
https://thebinaryhick.blog/2024/06/28/the-green-look-back-androids-on-device-location-history/

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Apple devices are constantly recording user activity, yet few forensic examiners are making use of the vast amount of data these systems quietly generate. Apple's Unified Logs and Spotlight databases track nearly everything that happens on an iOS device, often without the user realizing it.

Would you believe an iPhone can generate around 1.5 million log entries in just 15 minutes of regular use? These records include highly specific actions—such as the exact moment Face ID is used to unlock a device, when the phone is flipped face-up, or whether a user interacted with Siri or used the device manually. Despite their detail and reliability, these sources are often overlooked in mobile investigations.

In this session, we’ll show how forensic practitioners can process and search these massive log sets using open-source tools. We’ll walk through examples of log entries that record actions like toggling airplane mode, launching specific apps like Facebook, or even detecting changes in device orientation. For investigators, this means direct, time-stamped evidence of how a device was used.

One of the most valuable aspects of this data is its ability to help distinguish between user actions and automatic background processes. Was an app opened by the user, or was it a system event? These logs provide that level of clarity. We’ll demonstrate how to isolate specific events from millions of entries and construct accurate timelines that reflect exactly what happened—and when.

As part of our ongoing work, we’re also focused on improving the accessibility and usability of these artifacts with incorporation into the LEAPPS. If you work with iOS devices, this is a session you won’t want to miss. 

Notes:

2026 IACIS in Reno NV-

https://www.iacis.com/training/reno-info/

Spotlight-

https://github.com/ydkhatri/mac_apt

Unified Logs-

https://www.ios-unifiedlogs.com/

https://github.com/abrignoni/iLEAPP

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The Digital Forensics Now podcast brings together the core LEAPPs developer team for a candid, unscripted conversation about mobile forensics, legal challenges, and the future of their tools during the IACIS conference in Orlando.

• First time bringing together most of the LEAPPs development team in person
• Florida's new requirement for 10-day search warrant renewals creates significant challenges for long-running forensic processes
• Timestamp parameters in warrants can limit investigators' ability to discover relevant evidence
• Paladin now includes the LEAPPs integration, making powerful open-source forensic tools more accessible
• Real-world success stories of the LEAPPs helping solve cases when commercial tools failed
• Introduction of "The DFIR Investigative Mindset" book with technical editor Lee Harris
• Multiple specialized forensic training courses available at IACIS including incident response, drone, MAC and RAM forensics

Join us in two weeks for a more technical episode exploring new forensic artifacts and techniques.

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The digital forensics world isn’t slowing down — and neither are we. In this episode, we celebrate Heather’s well-deserved recognition as Cellebrite’s Mentor of the Year 2025. Naturally, there were a few speech mishaps and, somehow, a bear raiding Heather’s bird feeder (yes, actual wildlife). But between the chaos, we get serious about the fast-changing landscape of digital evidence collection.

We dig into Amazon’s decision to remove the "do not send voice recordings" setting from Echo devices — meaning all voice requests now head straight to the cloud for AI training. It’s part of a growing industry trend, raising huge privacy red flags. We also unpack a study showing AI search engines misattribute sources at rates over 60%, and discuss how leaning too hard on generative AI risks dulling the critical thinking that digital forensics demands.

On the technical front, Christian Peter reveals that some forensic tools alter or delete unified logs during extraction — a serious concern for evidence integrity that can compromise investigations before they even begin. We also walk through a deep dive into Snapchat artifacts, showing how to connect media files to user actions and locations by following database breadcrumbs that automated tools tend to overlook.

Through it all, one theme stays clear: while technology keeps racing ahead, the responsibility for getting it right stays firmly with the examiner. As one guest bluntly put it, "We might be the last generation of cognitive thinkers."

Tune in for a sharp, insightful, and slightly unpredictable conversation at the intersection of bears, bytes, and the future of digital evidence.

Notes:

Mobile Forensics Are you nerd enough?

https://www.msab.com/events-webinars/webinar-are-you-nerd-enough/

New Podcasts!

https://osintcocktail.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@hexordia

Amazon "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" Privacy Feature

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/33907850/amazon-alexa-echo-do-not-send-voice-recordings

AI search engines cite incorrect news sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/03/ai-search-engines-give-incorrect-answers-at-an-alarming-60-rate-study-says/

The Slow Collapse of Critical Thinking in OSINT due to AI

https://www.dutchosintguy.com/post/the-slow-collapse-of-critical-thinking-in-osint-due-to-ai

NIST

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/01/updated-guidelines-managing-misuse-risk-dual-use-foundation-models

Don't lose your logbook

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-lose-your-logbook-christian-peter-ebcje

Not All Encryption is created equal

https://www.s-rminform.com/latest-thinking/cracking-the-vault-exposing-the-weaknesses-of-encrypted-apps

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The boundary between tool-dependent analysis and true forensic expertise grows increasingly blurred as AI enters the digital forensics landscape. Alexis Brignoni and Heather Charpentier reunite after a month-long hiatus to sound the alarm on a concerning trend: the integration of generative AI into forensic tools without adequate safeguards for verification and validation.

Drawing from Stacey Eldridge's firsthand experience, they reveal how AI outputs can be dangerously inconsistent, potentially creating false positives (or missing critical evidence) while providing no reduction in examination time if proper verification procedures are followed. This presents investigators with a troubling choice: trust AI results and save time but risk severe legal and professional consequences, or verify everything and negate the promised efficiency benefits. The hosts warn that as AI becomes ubiquitous in forensic tools, it dramatically expands the attack surface for challenging evidence in court—especially when there's no traceability of AI prompts, responses, or error rates.

Beyond the AI discussion, the episode delivers practical insights for investigators, including an in-depth look at the Android gallery trash functionality. When users delete photos, these files remain in a dedicated trash directory for 30 days with their original paths and deletion timestamps fully preserved in the local DB database—a forensic goldmine for cases where suspects attempt to eliminate evidence shortly before investigators arrive. Other highlights include recent updates to the Unfurl tool for URL analysis, Parse SMS for recovering edited and unsent iOS messages, and Josh Hickman's research on Apple CarPlay forensics.

Whether you're investigating distracted driving cases, analyzing group calls on iOS, or simply trying to navigate the increasingly complex digital evidence landscape, this episode offers both cautionary wisdom and practical techniques to enhance your forensic capabilities. Join the conversation as we explore what it truly means to be a digital forensic expert in an age of increasing automation.

Ready to strengthen your digital investigation skills? Subscribe now for more insights from the front lines of digital forensics.

Notes:

Magnet Virtual Summit Presentations
https://www.magnetforensics.com/magnet-virtual-summit-2025-replays/
https://www.stark4n6.com/2025/03/magnet-virtual-summit-2025-ctf-android.html

parse_smsdb
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alberthui_ios-16-allows-for-imessagesmsmmsrcs-message-activity-7279586088988413952-xHWl
https://github.com/h4x0r/parse_sms.db/tree/main

Are you a DF/IR Expert Witness or Just a Useful Pawn?
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dfir-training_a-pawn-moves-where-its-told-a-dfir-expert-activity-7292981112463572992-c3wd/

Unfurl
https://dfir.blog/unfurl-parses-obfuscated-ip-addresses/
https://github.com/obsidianforensics/unfurl

AI to Summarize Chat Logs and Audio from Seized Mobile Phones
https://www.404media.co/cellebrite-is-using-ai-to-summarize-chat-logs-and-audio-from-seized-mobile-phones/

Ridin' With Apple CarPlay 2
https://thebinaryhick.blog/2025/02/19/ridin-with-apple-carplay-2/

Hello Who is on the Line?
https://metadataperspective.com/2025/02/05/hello-who-is-on-the-line/

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Get ready for a hands-on look at digital forensics and the challenges professionals tackle every day. We share a story about forensic guessing that highlights the importance of testing assumptions and following the evidence to avoid errors. The discussion emphasizes how staying grounded in facts can prevent investigations from going off track.

We also highlight advancements in forensic tools and training. Learn about tools like Belkasoft, the UFADE tool for iOS device extraction, and SQBite for SQLite database analysis. These tools are improving efficiency and accessibility in the field.

 But it’s not all about the tech. We address the important topic of mental health in digital forensics. We discuss the pressures of the job, strategies for managing stress, and the importance of supporting one another. Personal experiences and practical tips highlight the need to prioritize mental well-being in this demanding field.

This episode provides valuable information on tools, investigative approaches, and mental health strategies for forensic professionals.

 

Notes:

Belkasoft Windows Forensics Course
https://belkasoft.com/windows-forensics-training

Updates to UFADE
https://github.com/prosch88/UFADE/releases

The Duck Hunter's Blog
https://digital4n6withdamien.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-duck-hunters-guide-blog-1.html
https://digital4n6withdamien.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-duck-hunters-guide-blog-2.html
https://digital4n6withdamien.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-duck-hunters-guide-blog-3.html

SQBite
https://digital4n6withdamien.blogspot.com/2025/01/introducing-sqbite-alpha-python-tool.html
https://github.com/SpyderForensics/SQLite_Forensics/tree/main/SQBite

Mental Health in DFIR
https://thebinaryhick.blog/2019/06/21/mental-health-in-dfir-its-kind-of-a-big-deal/
https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/the-impact-of-traumatic-material-on-dfir-well-being/
https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/dfir-and-mental-health-are-we-doing-enough-to-protect-investigators/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666281721000251
https://belkasoft.com/preventing-burnout-in-digital-forensics
https://www.magnetforensics.com/resources/taking-care-of-mental-health-during-digital-forensics-investigations/
https://www.harmlessthepodcast.com/
https://www.shiftwellness.org/about-us
https://www.nyleap.org/

What's New with the LEAPPS
https://github.com/abrignoni

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Kick off your new year with some forensic fun as we recount our holiday escapades and dive into the latest in digital forensics! Ever wondered how RAM dumps from Android devices can reveal crucial data? We spotlight MSAB's innovative RAMalyzer tool and their new blog series covering RAM from mobile devices. 

Discover how the digital forensics community is collaborating to propel the field forward, as we share insights from the DF Pulse 2024 Digital Forensic Practitioner Survey and the delicate dance between competition and cooperation. Standardization is the name of the game, and we're exploring how the field of digital forensics can benefit from it. 

Updates to Magnet Axiom's date range capabilities showcase the ceaseless evolution of digital forensics tools. Journey with us as we tackle the intricacies of Bluetooth tracker detection, all while considering the dual nature of technology and the significance of using it responsibly.

From exploring Richard Davis's work with 13 Cubed to discussing Yogesh Khatri's contribution to analyzing the USN Journal, we shine a light on the vital role of principles in our field. 

With warm wishes for the new year, we invite you to stay tuned for more episodes brimming with insights and camaraderie.

Notes:
MSAB RAMalyzer series!
https://msab.com/resources/blog/


Paraben Forensic Innovation Conference
https://link.reachpenguin.com/widget/form/99kVMTgaA0mbpZvYLTjG

Tip Tuesday: Troubleshooting in PA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSNovfdwucw&list=PLwmKlEiYNUYte-pnlbw45YKpPB7K8xCgC&index=1

DFPulse: The 2024 digital forensic practitioner survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666281724001719

Magnet Axiom Cyber 8.7: Acquire iCloud backups from ADP-enabled accounts, and more!
https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/magnet-axiom-cyber-8-7-icloud-adp-and-more/

Android Will Let You Find Unknown Bluetooth Trackers Instead of Just Warning You About Them
https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/android-will-let-you-find-unknown-bluetooth-trackers-instead-of-just-warning-you-about-them-204707655.html

Be Kind, Rewind... The USN Journal
https://youtu.be/GDc8TbWiQio?feature=shared

Apple Photos phones home on iOS 18 and macOS 15
https://lapcatsoftware.com/articles/2024/12/3.html

SWGDE Considerations for Required Minimization of Digital Evidence Seizure
swgde.org/16-f-002/

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Join us for a holiday-themed episode of Digital Forensics Now, where we blend expert insights with personal stories from the field of digital forensics.

This episode delves into cutting-edge tools and techniques for digital forensics. Explore insights from Arsenal on advanced methods for analyzing swap space and memory files. We also share experiences with the Samsung Secure Health Data Parser, highlighting the challenges of decrypting health databases and the critical role of UFED in overcoming them. Don’t miss an in-depth look at the remarkable features of ArtEX, showcasing its value to examiners. Additionally, we introduce the LEAPPS Artifact Viewer App (LAVA), a groundbreaking tool unveiled at the Cyber Social Hub conference. 

We discuss the vital role of forensic experts in legal proceedings, from the importance of meticulous validation to the risks of mishandling evidence. Real-world cases and a controversial court rulings that highlight why expert testimony remains essential in interpreting digital artifacts.

We close with gratitude to our listeners and warm holiday wishes. Stay tuned on social media for updates on our next live session after the holidays.

Notes:
Working with 010 Hex-Editor 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCS2zI95IiNwheFCTaUEytA1GT0mNOOdn 

Arsenal Releases a New Tool! 
https://arsenalrecon.com/additional-products 

Samsung Secure Health Data Parser - A Forensic Tool for Parsing & Analyzing Samsung Secure Health Databases https://github.com/breakpointforensics/Samsung-Secure-Health-Data-Parser-/tree/main 

ArtEx Artifact Examiner
https://www.doubleblak.com/app.php?id=ArtEx2 

Why the Manual Preview/Screenshots May Not Hold Up in Court https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2024/11/13/think-that-screenshot-is-proof-heres-why-it-might-not-hold-up-in-court/  https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2024/12/06/smartphone-forensics-and-fake-texts-how-are-courts-responding/ 

What's New with the LEAPPS!? 
Google Keep Notes
https://charpy4n6.blogspot.com/2024/12/google-keep-notes.html 
Signup for Updates! leapps.org

 

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The latest episode of Digital Forensics Now kicks off with lighthearted banter about Heather's newfound fame in commercials, bringing a fun and relatable start to a tech-heavy discussion. Following the laughs, the conversation shifts to an invigorating recap of Alexis' recent experience at SANS DFIRCON, featuring interactions with digital forensics luminaries like Brian Maloney and Ian Whiffin. Ian's ArtEx tool, which cleverly maps locations for forensic investigations, also takes center stage as a highlight of the conference. The episode weaves in personal reflections, including a scenic family train ride from Orlando to Miami and the implementation of a Python artifact exercise during a teaching session.

The journey continues with a vibrant detour to the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas, where the usual birthday horseback riding tradition was replaced with unforgettable encounters like swimming with penguins, feeding giraffes, and snapping selfies with lemurs. These charming moments with nature set a refreshing tone before diving back into the tech world.

In the realm of digital forensics, the episode explores reverse engineering iOS 18, discusses the brief availability of BitLocker support in FTK Imager, and examines the evolving landscape of BFU (Before First Unlock) data extraction in law enforcement. The hosts delve deep into the complexities of digital forensics tools, translating technical data structures into accessible insights while emphasizing the importance of a strong digital evidence strategy. Topics include advancements in the LEAPP Parsers, the innovative Lava Viewer, and the latest developments in Blue Sky data structures, offering a comprehensive look at the tools shaping the field.

The episode wraps up with an open invitation for listeners to connect on social platforms, share their thoughts, and showcase innovative projects within the community, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking space for digital forensics enthusiasts.

Notes
iOS Devices Rebooting Continuedhttps://naehrdine.blogspot.com/2024/11/reverse-engineering-ios-18-inactivity.html

Samsung Secure Health Data Parser https://breakpointforensics.com/2024/11/06/samsung-secure-health-data-parser-a-forensic-tool-for-parsing-analyzing-samsung-secure-health-databases/
https://github.com/breakpointforensics/Samsung-Secure-Health-Data-Parser-/tree/main

Mobile Forensics Data Structures: Extracting and Analyzing Data with Free Toolshttps://www.hexordia.com/blog/mobile-forensics-data-structures

GAMEPLANS: A template for robust digital evidence strategy developmenthttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1556-4029.15655Digital Evidence 

Enhancing public safety using digital investigative technologieshttps://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MCCA-Digital-Evidence-White-Paper-_-Oct-2024.pdf

Importance of BFU Partial Filesystem Extractions!https://www.linkedin.com/posts/1carl-lawrence_dfir-polcing-digitalforensics-activity-7264179600631468034-FHGh

Sumuri Gives Back 2024
https://sumuri.com/sumuri-gives-back-2024/