Selective Mobile Forensic Collection with Signed Access URLs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forensic data collection methods for mobile devices are inefficient and costly, as they often require exhaustive data imaging, which is not necessary in every case, and lack secure transmission protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a handshake token process for secure data collection from mobile devices, allowing selective data transfer using cryptographically signed tokens and uniform-resource locators, ensuring secure and efficient transmission to a central server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaustive data imaging is performed on mobile devices, then complete forensic evidence is collected, but the process becomes more expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forensic data collection process into targeted collection of specific data sources rather than exhaustive imaging of the entire device. The system allows selection of particular data sources based on investigative needs, dividing the collection process into manageable, relevant portions that reduce time and cost while maintaining evidence reliability for the specific case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting only the necessary subset of data required for the specific forensic investigation rather than performing complete device imaging. This selective approach gathers sufficient evidence for the case at hand without the excessive time and resource investment of comprehensive data collection.
2Reliability
If exhaustive data imaging is performed on mobile devices, then complete forensic evidence is collected, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments forensic collection into targeted data sources rather than complete device imaging, reducing the resources required for storage, processing, and analysis while maintaining evidence reliability for the specific investigative needs.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing partial data collection focused on relevant data sources only, the system reduces the costs associated with exhaustive imaging while still gathering sufficient evidence to meet forensic reliability requirements for the case.
3Productivity
If selective data collection is implemented, then efficiency and cost savings are improved, but secure transmission protocols are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary secure token-based authentication system between the mobile device and the forensic collection system. This intermediary mechanism verifies device identity and authorization before allowing data transmission, ensuring secure communication channels while maintaining the efficiency benefits of selective data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the security parameter from traditional authentication methods to token-based authentication, where digital tokens verify device identity and authorization. This parameter change enables secure transmission protocols that work efficiently with selective data collection, protecting data integrity without compromising collection speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to systems and methods designed to facilitate data collection from a target device. By installing software on a target device and then granting that application system-level access to the target device, embodiments of the inventive subject matter can safely, and cryptographically securely, grant access to files on the target device via uniquely generated uniform resource locators.