Mobile Forensics Course

Lesson 1 • The Mobile Forensic Process

Outlines the end-to-end forensic workflow from identification through reporting. Establishes procedural discipline that all subsequent chapters reinforce.

Lesson 2 • Mobile Device Ecosystem Overview

Surveys major mobile platforms, hardware architectures, and market trends. Provides context for understanding why platform differences affect forensic methodology.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Mobile Forensics

Defines mobile forensics, its scope, and its distinction from traditional digital forensics. Anchors the chapter by framing why mobile devices are critical evidence sources.

Lesson 1 • Data Storage Locations and Artifacts

Maps where user data, application data, and system logs reside on-device. Enables targeted acquisition and reduces time spent on irrelevant storage regions.

Lesson 2 • Encryption and Secure Storage

Introduces full-disk and file-based encryption schemes protecting mobile data. Sets the stage for acquisition challenges addressed in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Mobile File Systems

Covers file systems used by iOS and Android, including journaling and encryption layers. Understanding file system structure is prerequisite to interpreting acquired images.

Lesson 4 • Data Persistence and Deletion

Explains how data survives deletion, wear-leveling, and garbage collection in flash storage. Prepares students to recover residual data during analysis.

Lesson 1 • Packaging, Transport, and Storage

Details proper packaging materials, labeling, and environmental controls for mobile evidence. Ensures physical integrity from scene to laboratory.

Lesson 2 • Scene Assessment and Device Identification

Covers recognizing mobile devices, accessories, and associated media at a scene. Proper identification prevents overlooking evidence and guides subsequent handling decisions.

Lesson 3 • Network Isolation Techniques

Explains methods to prevent remote wipe, data sync, and network-based evidence alteration. Isolation is the most time-critical preservation step after device discovery.

Lesson 4 • Documentation and Chain of Custody

Establishes rigorous documentation standards for every handling event. Accurate records are essential for courtroom admissibility and audit trails.

Lesson 1 • Acquisition Method Taxonomy

Classifies acquisition methods by invasiveness, data yield, and required expertise. Provides a decision framework used throughout the chapter and the course.

Lesson 2 • JTAG and Chip-Off Acquisition

Explains hardware-level extraction via JTAG interfaces and direct chip reading. These destructive or semi-destructive methods are last-resort options for damaged or locked devices.

Lesson 3 • Cloud and Remote Data Acquisition

Addresses acquiring data from cloud backups, synced accounts, and carrier records. Extends the acquisition scope beyond the physical device.

Lesson 4 • Physical Acquisition Techniques

Covers bootloader exploits, EDL mode, and forensic boot images for full physical dumps. Physical acquisition yields the most complete data set when encryption permits.

Lesson 1 • Location and Sensor Data

Recovers GPS coordinates, Wi-Fi positioning, and motion sensor logs from iOS. Location evidence can corroborate or refute timeline claims in investigations.

Lesson 2 • Application and Browser Artifacts

Analyzes installed app data, browser history, and cached web content on iOS. App artifacts often contain user activity evidence not found in system databases.

Lesson 3 • iOS File System and Key Artifacts

Maps the iOS directory structure and identifies high-value forensic artifacts. Knowing artifact locations accelerates analysis and reduces examiner error.

Lesson 4 • iOS Backup and iCloud Analysis

Parses encrypted and unencrypted iTunes backups and iCloud data sets. Backup analysis often yields data unavailable from direct device acquisition.

Lesson 1 • Application Data and Browser Artifacts

Analyzes APK structures, app databases, and browser artifacts on Android. App data diversity across Android versions demands adaptive analysis techniques.

Lesson 2 • Communications and Messaging on Android

Recovers SMS, MMS, call logs, and third-party messaging data from Android devices. Covers both native and manufacturer-specific messaging implementations.

Lesson 3 • Android File System and Key Artifacts

Navigates Android partition layout and locates high-value forensic data stores. Manufacturer and version variations require flexible artifact location strategies.

Lesson 4 • Google Account and Cloud Artifacts

Recovers Google account-synced data, Drive content, and Play Store records. Cloud-synced artifacts extend evidence beyond the physical device.

Lesson 1 • Cross-Platform Artifact Correlation

Correlates evidence across iOS, Android, and cloud sources within a single investigation. Multi-platform cases require unified analytical frameworks to avoid evidence gaps.

Lesson 2 • Deleted and Hidden Data Recovery

Applies carving, SQLite recovery, and unallocated space analysis to recover deleted data. Recovered deleted artifacts frequently provide decisive investigative evidence.

Lesson 3 • Metadata Extraction and Interpretation

Extracts timestamps, geotags, and file metadata from media and documents. Metadata provides objective anchors for timeline construction.

Lesson 4 • Anti-Forensic Detection and Countermeasures

Identifies evidence of data wiping, encryption, and app-based concealment techniques. Recognizing anti-forensic activity is essential for complete and accurate reporting.

Lesson 1 • Case Review and Quality Assurance

Implements peer review, verification, and audit processes before report submission. Quality assurance prevents errors that could undermine case outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Evidence Presentation and Visualization

Creates charts, timelines, and visual exhibits that communicate complex artifact data. Effective visualization improves comprehension and persuasiveness in legal proceedings.

Lesson 3 • Forensic Report Structure and Standards

Defines the components of a professional forensic report and quality standards. A well-structured report is the primary deliverable of every mobile forensic examination.

Lesson 4 • Writing for Technical and Legal Audiences

Adapts report language and detail level for investigators, attorneys, and judges. Audience-appropriate writing prevents misinterpretation of forensic findings.