Mobile forensic experts should get easier access to mobile data

BANGALORE, INDIA: In continuation to our earlier article, Dave Golding, GM of Cellebrite APAC Pte Ltd, shared his view on trends and challenges do you foresee in mobile forensic area and how mobile forensics tools and practices will evolve in comingdays. Excerpts:

CIOL: Who are your prime customers? Can you share some of your clientele?

Dave Golding: Cellebrite's range of mobile forensic products, UFED Series, has been used in India and globally for several years by law enforcement, military and other security agencies. Due to security reasons, we cannot disclose the names of our customers. Our products are in great demand due to the support we offer for smartphones and phones manufactured with Chinese chipsets - very popular in India.

CIOL: What trends and challenges do you foresee in mobile forensic arena?

DG: As new mobile devices enter the market, Cellebrite continuously faces the challenge of obtaining both existing and deleted data from these devices whether they are smartphones, phones with Chinese chipsets, tablets and GPS devices.

We constantly aim to support new devices as close to their launch date as possible to ensure that law enforcement agencies are well prepared in advance to investigate such new devices as their ownership and usage in the market increases; keeping them ahead of criminals and potential threats.

CIOL: According to you, how will mobile forensics tools and practices evolve in coming days?

DG: Our R&D team works to provide the most up to date proprietary technology to extract and reveal as much data from mobile devices as possible. This includes existing and deleted data such as passwords, applications, chats, SMS, Address book contacts and more.

CIOL: What changes would you like to see in the field of mobile forensics?

DG: We would like to see manufacturers standardize their operating system (OS), which would give investigators easier access to the data within mobile devices. The biggest change we would like to see is Cellebrite's range of mobile forensic products becoming the standard for any investigative body in India and worldwide.

CIOL: What are your plans for India?

DG: For the forensics market, Cellebrite aims to have all investigative personnel in the foreseeable future using Cellebrite's products as standard equipment which is highly relied upon in any mobile forensic investigation. For the retail sector, Cellebrite aims to have its platforms and solutions such as Desktop and Touch, installed in all retail stores, operator outlets and workshops throughout India.

CIOL: What are the criteria/eligibility to become a mobile forensics expert? Any advice for those exploring careers in mobile forensics?

DG: Cellebrite has recently launched a new training program suited for law enforcement personnel requiring training on all levels. The new training courses are: Mobile Forensics Fundamentals course for basic training, Cellebrite Certified Logical Operator course for intermediate training and Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst Course for advanced training. Over the next few months, Cellebrite's training will be available throughout India.