iPhone Forensics White Paper

Chapter 1: About this White Paper

1.1 About the Authors

Andrew Hoog is a computer scientist, certified forensic analyst (GCFA and CCE), computer and mobile forensics researcher, former adjunct professor (assembly language) and founder of viaForensics. As Chief Investigative Officer, he divides his energies between hands-on investigations, relevant research and customized training about the computer and mobile forensics discipline.

As a recognized expert in smartphone forensics, Mr. Hoog is currently writing books on Android and iPhone forensics, due to be published in 2011. Mr. Hoog has spoken at many conferences addressing electronic investigations issues, authored a groundbreaking white paper on iPhone Forensics and has testified in several court cases providing expert opinions on computer forensics issues. In addition, he writes computer and mobile forensic how-to guides, trains corporate and law enforcement agency members and has shared his expertise through radio interview programs, such as Forensics 4Cast and Talk Forensics.

Katie Strzempka is a digital forensic analyst with viaForensics. She recently received her Masters degree from Purdue University in Cyber Forensics, and has a B.S. in Computer and Information Technology. Prior to working for viaForensics, Ms. Strzempka worked for 3 years in Information Security for a Fortune 500 company.

1.2 Mobile Forensics

Mobile forensics has matured significantly over the past few years. In the past, a very limited amount of data existed on mobile phones so the forensics imaging process was simple. With the success of modern smart phones, forensic examiners can now recover significant information about a phone; however, the techniques involved have become more complex.

Unlike traditional computer forensics, in the mobile world you cannot simple remove the hard drive, attach to a write blocker, image and finally analyze the data. Yet the characteristics of NAND memory, the primary storage mechanism, is to retain data on the device which heightens the forensic value.

These development has ushered a new era in mobile forensics. There is now are a variety of sophisticated mobile forensic software examiners can purchase. And forensic researchers are developing new and powerful techniques to extract and analyze data from these devices.

With the growing popularity of the phones and the fast-paced evolution of their software, many agencies and even forensic firms are struggling to process these phones. viaForensics not only has the expertise but we are recognized experts in our field, have testified in federal and other court systems, and also understand the budget constraints everyone if facing. If you would like additional information, please contact us now.

1.3 About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative digital forensics and security firm providing services to corporations, law enforcement and attorneys. Our areas of focus include computer and mobile forensics, threat and fraud protection and forensics training. We are experts in iPhone and Android forensics and have developed a suite of unique services to significantly improve the security posture of organizations.

1.4 Our Philosophy

We believe in taking a proactive approach when it comes to data security needs. With the increasing integration of electronic technology in corporate and government agencies, viaForensics has the expertise and capacity to provide critical computer and mobile forensic services to our clients.

Our services allow us not only to detect data loss, security breaches, criminal activity or employee abuses, we are also able to uncover critical internal vulnerabilities within systems before incidents occur.