| Q: |
What is Cellular Forensics? |
| A: |
Cellular Forensics is the preservation, extraction and analysis of cell phone data extracted from a mobile phone device for submission to a court of law. |
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| Q: |
What can a mobile phone reveal? |
| A: |
In the right hands, a mobile phone can reveal much about a person’s likes, dislikes, habits, hidden secrets, associations and more! Mobile phone data is “Digital DNA”. This data is so vital that an attorney can use it in just about any case they encounter. A mobile phone can also reveal potential witnesses and victims that were not previously known. |
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| Q: |
What do you try to extract from a cell phone? |
| A: |
We attempt to retrieve all available data (present and deleted) from the mobile device. We follow best practices and use proprietary forensic grade software to extract the following data:
- Call History
- Contact List
- Text Messages (present and deleted)
- Multimedia Messages
- Internet Browser Info
- Instant Messages
- Pictures (present and deleted)
- Videos (present and deleted)
- GPS coordinates
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| Q: |
Can “Deleted” messages be retrieved off a cell phone? |
| A: |
The recovery of “Deleted” data depends on several factors:
- Make and Model of the specific phone (there are over 3000 models)
- The software placed by the manufacturer in the phone
- The cell phone user’s habits
- The software available to retrieve such deleted items
- What was done to the mobile phone before we received it at our lab
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| Q: |
Why should I use you to help my client? |
| A: |
Our examiners are highly trained in the latest forensic methods and software and are state licensed. There is much more to mobile phone forensic examinations than just having some equipment. First of all, quality forensic software is very expensive AND one must know how to use it. Anyone can have a scalpel, but it’s the professionals that know how to use it correctly. Secondly, the phone has to be preserved correctly so that a “wipe” command does not get to it, or you will lose everything on that phone. Thirdly, cell phones are unstable. Simply turning on the phone could be the beginning of a disaster. Lastly, the court is very particular on WHO obtained the evidence. Failure to use the proper examiner can pose a substantial risk of the evidence being thrown out of court all together.
It is not enough to know how to recover cell phone data; you need someone who also knows how to use it in court. Our examiners have the experience and knowledge to testify. They are professional and dependable, and respect for the court is obvious in their dress and behavior.
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| Q: |
How much are your services? |
| A: |
Prices are dependent upon the specific phone model and what it is needed from the phone. Our service prices are competitive with qualified industry competitors. |
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| Q: |
After you receive the phone, what is your turn around time for an examination? |
| A: |
Examinations can take from an hour to several days, depending on the specific model of phone submitted. We do not cut corners. We do everything with the court in mind and want to make sure the examination is done right. You may never have a second chance. |
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| Q: |
What phones can you examine? |
| A: |
Our lab has the ability to examine any of the over 3000 models of mobile phones in existence. |
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| Q: |
Who are some of your clients? |
| A: |
Our client base extends to many of the Federal, State and local Law Enforcement departments, many international military agencies, as well as district attorney offices nationwide, private attorneys, corporate investigators, insurance investigators and other legal professionals. |
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| Q: |
What is “Mobile Malware”? |
| A: |
Simply put, mobile malware is any type of program or software that infiltrates a mobile phone with the purpose of stealing data, listening to calls or causing the phone to act in a peculiar manner that causes stress to the individual owner. |
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| Q: |
Does Mobile Malware include “Bugging” Software and Tracking Programs? |
| A: |
Yes |
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| Q: |
How popular is Mobile Malware? |
| A: |
Mobile phones are the new “playground” of hackers looking to conquer a new frontier. There are presently over 400 mobile malwares in existence and more are arising each day.
With the advent of mobile banking, many nefarious persons are now attempting to secure vital data from the victim’s phone through the use of rogue malware.
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| Q: |
What are signs that my cell phone could be “Bugged”? |
| A: |
Does the mobile phone in question:
- Ring for no reason?
- Light up for no reason?
- Turn on by itself?
- Allow one to hear a third party on the line?
Does your client have unexplained appearances of their “Ex” at places they never told them of?
Has someone been reading your client’s private text messages?
These could be signs that the mobile phone has a stealth “bugging” program on it.
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| Q: |
Is “bugging” a cell phone illegal? |
| A: |
YES! This is a Federal crime and wiretapping violation. If someone has “tapped” a mobile phone without the user’s consent, the victim may proceed with criminal prosecution as long as they can prove it.
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| Q: |
If I take my mobile phone to the Police, can they determine if it is bugged? |
| A: |
Most of the police departments in America are not equipped or trained to handle a mobile phone malware incident. Many times, the police will refer the client to us for a professional forensic examination and report. If a “bug” is located, then the police will use our report and proceed with attempting to find the culprit. The victim’s attorney can then proceed with further civil or criminal charges as allowed by the laws of their state.
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Cell Tower Examinations FAQs
| Q: |
What is a Cell Tower Examination? |
| A: |
As a mobile phone is “Digital DNA” in a case, cell tower data is like “footprints” in the sand. The towers show where a phone was used near or during the commission of a crime or incident. |
| Q: |
Will the phone company give me the tower records to an individual? |
| A: |
No. The cell tower records can only be secured by law enforcement or an attorney through the proper submission of a subpoena, warrant or court order. Our examiners can assist the Attorney in properly secure these records, what to specifically request and where to procure them. Also, these records are highly technical and a thorough examination is very time consuming and tedious. We are able to perform these examinations and advise the Attorney of our findings. |
| Q: |
How are cell tower records used in a case? |
| A: |
Cell tower records are used to prove or disprove the actual area that the phone user was in at a particular time and place. This location can be very critical in a case involving felony crimes and serious sentences. |
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