Introduction to Windows Mobile Forensics

Windows Mobile devices are becoming more widely used and can be a valuable source of evidence in a variety of investigations. These portable devices can contain details about an individual’s communications, contacts, calendar, online activities, and whereabouts at specific times. Although forensic analysts can apply their knowledge of other Microsoft operating systems to Windows Mobile devices, there are sufficient differences that require specialized knowledge and tools to locate and interpret digital evidence on these systems. This paper provides an overview of Windows Mobile Forensics, describing various methods of acquiring and examining data on Windows Mobile devices. The locations and data formats of useful information on these systems are described, including text messages, multimedia, e-mail, Web browsing artifacts, and Registry entries. This paper concludes with an illustrative scenario involving MobileSpy monitoring software. a 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.