A Theoretical Process Model for Smartphones

摘要

Smartphones are increasing in popularity due to functionality, portability, convenience and affordability. Because of this, examiners must acquire and analyze these devices when criminal activity is suspected to have occurred. In order to obtain this information, it has to be extracted in a way that is repeatable and testable. There are several process models available for guidance, but the ad-hoc approach is a popular alternative. The dilemma is that ad-hoc approaches and the forensic investigative process models available are not well suited for the examination of such devices. These approaches may cause the validity of investigator skill and methods to fall under scrutiny. To address this, there is a need for an investigative framework tailored to the unique qualities of smartphones. A group of forensic researchers, examiners, and students were surveyed in order to gauge whether this audience feels that this type of process model is needed and the results are presented.