Acquisition Techniques: Physical Extraction vs. Logical Extraction (en)
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Acquisition Techniques in Mobile Forensics
Acquisition techniques are a crucial initial step in the mobile forensics process. The goal is to obtain an accurate and complete copy of the data from a mobile device without damaging the original data. There are several acquisition methods, but we will further discuss *physical* and *logical extraction*.
Physical Extraction
- Definition:
Physical extraction is the process of obtaining a bit-by-bit copy of all data present on a mobile device, including deleted or hidden data. This method provides the most complete picture of the device's condition at the time of acquisition.
- Process:
1. Preparation:
- Secure the mobile device to prevent data alteration.
- Connect the device to a forensic tool (write blocker).
- Select the type of image to be created (raw, sparse, etc.).
2. Acquisition:
- The forensic tool will read all sectors on the device's storage media (e.g., internal storage, SD card) and create an exact copy.
3. Verification:
- Calculate the hash value of the generated image and compare it with the hash value from the original device to ensure data integrity.
- Advantages:
- Obtains the most complete data.
- Can recover deleted data.
- Suitable for cases requiring in-depth analysis.
- Disadvantages:
- The process takes longer compared to logical extraction.
- Requires specialized forensic tools.
Logical Extraction Using Ubuntu
- Definition:
Logical extraction is the process of obtaining a copy of data that can be accessed by the mobile device's operating system. This method is faster than physical extraction but does not provide as complete a picture as physical extraction.
- Process:
1. Preparation:
- Connect the mobile device to a computer running Ubuntu.
- Install the necessary drivers.
- Install forensic tools such as Autopsy, Sleuth Kit, or other tools.
2. Acquisition:
- Use forensic tools to access the mobile device's file system.
- Copy the data to be analyzed to the computer.
- Advantages:
- The process is faster.
- Does not require specialized forensic tools.
- Suitable for cases that do not require in-depth analysis.
- Disadvantages:
- Does not retrieve deleted or hidden data.
- Depends on available drivers and tools.
Usage Examples:
- Physical Extraction: In cybercrime investigation cases involving mobile devices, physical extraction can be used to search for hidden evidence, such as deleted messages, hidden photos, or traces of activity on the dark web.
- Logical Extraction Using Ubuntu: If the goal is to analyze active user data, such as call history, text messages, or app data, logical extraction using Ubuntu can be an efficient choice.
| Feature | Physical Extraction | Logical Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Data Coverage | Entire data | Accessible data |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Tools | Specialized forensic tools | Open-source tools |
| Complexity | High | Low |
Conclusion:
The choice between physical extraction and logical extraction depends on the investigative goals and available resources. If the most complete and in-depth data is needed, physical extraction is the right choice. However, if time is a critical factor, logical extraction may be a good alternative.
Notes:
- Mobile forensic processes require specific knowledge and skills.
- Ensure to follow proper procedures to maintain evidence integrity.
- Always update knowledge about the latest forensic tools and techniques.
Interesting Links
Some popular forensic tools:
- Autopsy: A highly popular open-source platform for digital forensic analysis.
- The Sleuth Kit: A toolkit that provides various utilities for forensic investigation.
- SQLite: A database often used in mobile devices, making it important to understand how to analyze it.
Other topics that may be interesting:
- Android Forensics: Unique features and challenges in analyzing Android devices.
- iOS Forensics: Differences with Android and specific tools.
- Cloud Data Analysis: How to analyze data stored in the cloud.