Using Digital Forensics for Android Smartphone Devices to aid Criminal Investigations

Authors

  • Stephanie Agenbag Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape
  • Andre Henney Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape
  • Heloise Pieterse Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/iccws.19.1.2004

Keywords:

Digital Forensics, Mobile Forensics, Android-Smartphones, Digital Evidence, Data Analysis

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been an exponential adoption and ownership of smartphones by billions of users worldwide. However, as smartphone usage increases, criminals have taken advantage of them for illicit or criminal purposes. In criminal investigations, smartphone data has become an invaluable source of information. This study focuses on constructing a snapshot of Android-operated smartphone data to assist investigators in answering critical investigative questions.  A thorough review of the literature with regard to the use of smartphone evidence in criminal cases, with the goal of emphasising the investigative phase and the supportive role of mobile data evidence in guiding investigations will be performed. In order to identify additional persons of interest and develop a thorough understanding of the case, the methodology will entail analysing user profiles, smartphone usage patterns, communication logs, application usage, geographic lookups, and device interactions. By conducting a thorough examination of relevant literature, designing a suitable model, and executing a case study, the study intends to offer valuable perspectives on the creation of timelines or visual representations derived from smartphone data. The results of this study will contribute to improving the efficacy of mobile forensics in assisting investigators and facilitating the use of Android-operated smartphone data as supporting evidence in criminal investigations.

Author Biographies

Stephanie Agenbag, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape

Stephanie Agenbag is currently a MSc Computer Science student at the University of the Western
Cape. She achieved Cum Laude distinctions while completing both her BSc degree and BSc (Hons)
degree at UWC. Her present research focus encompasses the fields of cyber security and digital
forensics.

Andre Henney, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape

Andre Henney obtained his MSc from the University of the Western Cape focussing on Embedded
Systems. He is currently completing his PhD with UWC, and he currently holds the position of
lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of the Western Cape. His current
research interest is ICT4D, IoT, Networking and Cyber Security.

Heloise Pieterse, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Dr Heloise Pieterse is currently employed as a senior member of the CSIRT within the SANReN group
that forms part of the NICIS centre at the CSIR. She completed her PhD Computer Science degree in
2019, with a focus on identifying the authenticity of smartphone data. Her interests include digital
forensics, mobile security and cyber security.

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Published

2024-03-21