Understanding Forensic Cell Phone Data Recovery

We are in a time where people are addicted to their phones. A recent survey found we now spend an average of five hours a day on our cell phones. That works out to roughly to two and a half months or 76 days a year. That statistic is alarming enough: it’s even scarier to imagine all of the information our phones store. For most of us, our whole lives are on our phone, from social media to email to our calendars, task lists and more. With so much of our lives on our phones, it’s no wonder they’re playing an increasing role in trials and investigations. With the need for forensic cell phone data recovery on the rise, it is important to understand what goes into a forensic cellular investigation.

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Not All Cell Phones are Created Equal

There so many variables in forensic cell phone data recovery. Not only are there differences between device manufacturers, but each individual model can also vary widely from its predecessors. Every year, new cell phones are produced that boast new technologies, and cell phone forensic technology must keep up, while still maintaining the tools and skills necessary to work on older models.

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A Cell Phone Can be a Treasure Trove of Evidence

Tracking a person’s location is perhaps the most well-known use of cell phone data. Even with location services turned off, your GPS history can still reveal trips and destinations. However, forensic cell phone data recovery goes much deeper than that: it searches texts, emails, call logs, address books, calendars, photos, internet search history, and app use.

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Be Sure to Hire an Expert Forensic Investigator

When it comes to cell phone forensics, you don’t want to entrust data recovery to your local cell phone repair shop. While they may be able to repair your screen or salvage information from your waterlogged smartphone, they don’t have the tools and training to conduct a proper forensic investigation. As with all ESI (electronically stored information), cell phone data must be obtained and preserved in keeping with federal rules and regulations. Failure to follow these procedures and protocols can render the evidence inadmissible in court. The last thing you want on your hands is concrete evidence that is deemed inadmissible. 

Not to mention if someone suspects an investigation is coming, they may attempt to destroy evidence and delete their data. They can do this by physically damaging with the device (such as smashing it) or by “bombing” the phone with emails and text messages in an attempt to cover up evidence under a tidal wave of new information. An experienced forensic examiner is well equipped to handle damaged devices and root out any potential evidence that remains.

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Trust BCI for Forensic Cell Phone Data Recovery

When it comes to litigation, cell phone data may just be the key to your case. A skilled forensic examiner will find all potentially relevant data and ensure proper collection methods are used. If you need data recovered from a cell phone, reach out to us today.