An interesting and increasingly relevant topic in digital forensics is the investigation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As IoT devices become more widespread, they play a larger role in both our personal and professional lives. This includes smart home devices, wearable technology, connected vehicles,...
Can someone read your encrypted text messages? Right now, it would appear the answer is, "no." But advances in computer science, particularly in the realm of quantum computing might change that. Most text/chat messages are encrypted. This is the case with Line, Viber, Whatsapp and such. Some...
Digital forensics is the science of collecting evidence from digital devices, examining it, and explaining what the data means so that a normal person can understand it. All forensics examiners use specialized "tools" to help them do this. These tools are nothing more than software...
The most common type of cyber crime seen by the investigators at TEC Inquiries is the Data Compromise scenario. In this situation, the victim's computer, account, or network has been accessed by an unauthorized person. Usually this results in data being destroyed, stolen or manipulated....
The Washington Post recently reported on a story about Christopher Precopia, 21, of Texas who was arrested in September 2017 after being accused of raping an ex-girlfriend. Precopia was accused of breaking into her home, assaulting her and carving an "X" into her with a...
The most common technique used by everyone be secure is through "encryption." Most people use passwords protect their devices this way. Computers and cell phones use encryption to prevent unwanted persons from accessing your data. Until recently, many experts believed the most secure cell phone...
Ransomware is computer software that, once installed, encrypts files or even your whole drive without permission. In order to access your data, you must purchase the decryption key. Even if you pay, the criminals may, or may not, send you the key! The most important thing you can...
When it comes to data off of a cell phone in a form you can use in court, you have a variety of options. Unfortunately, they are all complicated and/or expensive. If you want to attempt this on your own with the minimal cost a...
PhotoRec is a free and open source file carver data recovery software tool designed to recover lost files from digital camera memory (CompactFlash, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, SmartMedia, Microdrive, MMC, USB flash drives, etc.), hard disks and CD-ROMs. It recovers most common photo formats, including...