Mobile phone forensics: an overview of technical and legal aspects

摘要

Over the last 20 years, the number of mobile phone users in the world has grown from a mere handful to more than 3 billion. It is estimated that more than 1,000 new customers sign up for mobile services every minute around the world. Consequently, the use of mobile phones connected to criminal activity is on increase. The forensic examination of mobile phones is complicated by the fact that each new model requires different analysis tools and investigative techniques. The developers of mobile phone forensic tools struggle to keep pace with changing technologies and capabilities of modern day devices. This paper outlines legal and technical challenges and illustrates the relevance of UK ACPO guidelines to carrying out proper examinations/investigations. It then discusses different models and practices developed or adopted by investigators worldwide. It also examines, with reference to various laws, the legal position of an investigator when examining a mobile phone.