Digital forensics deals with the extraction and analysis of data from computers, phones and all other electronic devices. The information extracted is usually crucial to the fate of an investigation, as it is used as evidence in court. Learn the ins and outs of this field and find out how the specialists work!
Whether a case involves identity theft, partner infidelity or murder, electronic devices hold many clues that can help solve the mystery.
Nowadays, virtually everything can be found in the digital space. Investigators are increasingly relying on the hidden data in the phone, search and call history, GPS location, etc. for their work.
Hiding illegal activities has become almost impossible. Thanks to the use of advanced equipment, the truth always comes out. Find out what digital forensics looks like in practice and learn about the most famous criminal cases that have been solved with the help of computer forensics!
Extracting data from your phone – that’s digital forensics!
Digital forensics bases its scope on the most common electronic devices. We are talking about smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops, among others. But it is not the only one.
In 2016, there was a high-profile case of insurance fraud in the US perpetrated by Ross Compton. The 59-year-old set fire to his home, hoping to swindle nearly $400,000 in compensation. The man reported that he was asleep when the fire broke out. He then broke his bedroom window and fled.
Investigators, however, did not believe this version – they decided to examine the equipment belonging to Compton and even collected data from his pacemaker. After consulting a doctor, it became clear that the man could not have been awakened by the fire – the heart rhythm recording clearly contradicted this.
It became clear that he was the perpetrator. A few years later, he died while awaiting the conclusion of the trial.
One of the most important principles of data analysis, such as on a phone, is to extract information so that its integrity is not disturbed. Evidence must be intact to be useful in a trial. Any tampering with the file will be visible. This is why the use of specialised equipment is so important.
How does data extraction from phones and other devices work?
The process of extracting data from the phone and other devices is complex. All operations should be carried out by specialists or people trained to use the software in question. It is the choice of software that proves crucial. This is because not every data extraction system or module will work on the media of our choice.
Next comes the extraction of broad evidence, an operation divided into physical and logical methods. The former involves mapping a complete image of the device’s memory – including deleted data.
The second is more standard and focuses on reading out, among other things, files, call records, messages, etc.
The extracted material is then analysed and stored in a secure location until an investigation can begin.
Computer forensics can extract data such as:
- call history,
- SMS and MMS messages,
- documents,
- files (photos, videos, dictaphone recordings, etc.),
- application data (including instant messaging),
- search history,
- metadata,
- GPS location,
- payment history.
It is worth mentioning that the whole process should be documented in a reliable way so that it is not considered illegal. The intention of the action is also important.
Most famous cases solved by data extraction from mobile devices
Digital forensics has contributed to solving many puzzling criminal cases. When circumstantial evidence was lacking or sometimes unclear, mobile data extraction came into action.
Here are the most notorious cases:
- Gabby Petito murder – In 2021, well-known blogger Gabby Petito went missing while travelling with her partner, on whom suspicion fell. After the woman’s body was found, police used data from her phone and analysed her social media activity to rule the man completely guilty.
- The Jodi Arias case – in 2008. Jodi Arias was accused of murdering her boyfriend. Investigators read her activity on her computer and phone and discovered recent photographs of the man taken moments before the murder, just by Arias. Ultimately, the evidence made it possible to deny the alibi of the guilty woman.
- Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy case – a young man committed suicide in 2014. During the investigation, police officers examined the victim’s phone. There they found records of conversations with Michelle Carter’s friend, who had urged the boy to take his own life. The court eventually sentenced her to prison.
There are hundreds of similar stories. There are also less drastic situations that we encounter on a daily basis. Our Detective Store specialists were recently approached by a customer who suspected her husband of infidelity.
After examining his phone, she received the answer to her question. The partner was indeed having an affair with another woman. Her doubts were only dispelled by analysing his call history and instant messaging.
Cellebrite software – a proven way to extract data from your phone. Detective Store offer
One of the best ways to analyse and recover data from mobile devices is Cellebrite software. This is the work of Cellebrite, an experienced and well-known brand on the market – its devices are mainly used by law enforcement, detectives and courts.
Cellebrite UFED Touch 3
One of the company’s most popular products is UFED Touch 3. This software enables comprehensive logical and physical extraction of all information from mobile devices. Among other things, it can cope with extracting data from phones, even those with locked access.
With Cellebrite UFED Touch 3, investigators will be able to access protected passwords and files – including deleted ones.
The software also allows data extraction from drones, SIM and SD cards and memory sticks. The operation of the system, compared to competing solutions, is intuitive. It can be learned easily.
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Cellebrite Inseyets
Cellebrite Inseyets is a groundbreaking digital forensics solution. The software is the brand’s flagship product in the Case-to-Closure (C2C) platform. It enables the complete extraction of files from Android and iOS devices.
Importantly, the extraction process includes not only system data, but also cloud backups.
Cellebrite’s Inseyets software sets new standards in the field of computer forensics – the comprehensive extraction of files and information takes almost twice as long as with classic solutions. Nearly 60% more data is also extracted.
All these features are bracketed by the high availability of the software. It is relatively easy to use and only requires specialised training to become proficient.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Access to the widest range of devices
- Comprehensive access and extraction data
Cellebrite Mobile Forensic Training – Detective Store
The Detective Store offers paid courses in data extraction using Cellebrite Mobile Forensic software. The training is delivered by experts and can be done onsite or remotely. Participants will have a basic knowledge of how to use the product.
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- Knowledge in a nutshell
- Adjustable schedule
Cellebrite software what can it do?
Cellebrite’s software is used by the police, secret services, the military, private investigators, but also by private individuals, among others. The system, unlike competing solutions, is not complex. However, it is recommended to use specialists familiar with it.
What can Cellebrite do? The product enables comprehensive and very fast extraction of any data from mobile devices. This includes encrypted files and those stored in the cloud.
A major advantage of Cellebrite’s solutions is their relative ease of use. Basic training is sufficient to master the software.
However, if you are concerned about obtaining important forensic evidence, you should enlist the help of specialists.
Cellebrite software – FAQ
Wondering what are the ways to extract data from your phone? Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Cellebrite software – an innovation in digital forensics!
Cellebrite software what is it?
Cellebrite software is a system for instant and complete data extraction from mobile devices. It is most commonly used to extract files and information from phones.
Cellebrite what can it do?
Cellebrite’s software can instantly and completely extract all data on mobile devices. These are useful in investigations and during court hearings. Operation of the system is intuitive and simple.
Who uses Cellebrite?
Solutions such as Cellebrite Inseyets or Cellebrite UFED Touch 3 are used by the police, special services, military, private investigators or digital forensics and computer forensics specialists, among others.
Cellebrite how does it work?
Cellebrite works by plugging an Android- and iOS-enabled mobile device into the device under test. Using an intuitive interface and an easy-to-read screen, the user performs comprehensive data extraction from the phone.