Mobile Phone Forensics – Investigating The Criminal In Your Hands

Abstract

Technology today provides immense possibilities and scope which play an important role in benefitting human life. Mobile phone technology is one such technology that has rapidly evolved and is still evolving. Over the years, its uses have become diverse. The mobile technology has advanced from a simple device used for making phone calls into a multi-functional device used for web browsing, entertainment, banking, online shopping, instant messaging, gaming, navigation and many more things. Smartphones have undoubtedly become an integral part of our lives. Not only have smartphones replaced landlines but also in some cases, smartphones have replaced the need for a computer or a laptop. There are many features now offered by a smartphone that can perform several tasks computers could earlier do that.

Although, mobile phones have become a helpful gadget in an individual’s life, yet it additionally has turned into a device for crimes. With the colossal growth of the mobile device market, the possibility of using them in committing crimes has also increased significantly. When it comes to unmasking, testing and submitting evidence in criminal investigations today, mobile phones play a vital role. The data we store on our smartphones include photos, call logs, videos, contact details, messages, chats, notes, calendar events, etc. This kind of data in the digital world provides a means of useful evidence to the investigators to reach the perpetrator. Mobile Forensics (sub domain of Digital Forensics), ‘deals with the acquisition, analysis and recovery of digital evidence or data from mobile devices that is of investigative importance.’